Todd Otten

Todd Otten is a family physician, healthcare innovator, and leader in physician advocacy. Since joining Medicine Forward in 2023, Todd has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach, developing its leadership structure, and fostering valuable collaborations.

Role in Medicine Forward

Todd Otten quickly established himself as a natural leader within Medicine Forward, demonstrating a clear vision for growth and advocacy. His key contributions include:

• Recruitment and Engagement: Todd significantly expanded Medicine Forward’s membership, bringing in new members and engaged advocates to support the organization’s mission.
• Hosting the 2024 Traction Team Retreat: Todd hosted a critical strategic retreat at his home in Michigan, where the leadership team refined Medicine Forward’s approach and strengthened team cohesion.
• Building Key Partnerships: He cultivated relationships with influential organizations, including:
  • Primary Care for All Americans
  • Doctors for America
  • The American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP)
  • The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation
  • Many other positive healthcare change agents
• Leading Organizational Innovation: Todd led the creation of Medicine Forward’s Team of Teams structure, which fosters a decentralized, bottom-up approach to advocacy and innovation. This model empowers physicians and healthcare leaders to take action on critical issues in healthcare reform.
• Current Role: Todd is the Board Chair and Lead Catalyst of Medicine Forward, guiding the organization’s strategic direction and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Background and Advocacy

Beyond Medicine Forward, Todd Otten has a distinguished career in medicine, military service, and leadership:

• Military Service: Todd served as a Naval Flight Surgeon, earning recognition as the Naval Flight Surgeon of the Year (2006) for the Atlantic Fleet.
• Healthcare Leadership: He has held various leadership roles, including ACO Medical Director and Chief of Staff in healthcare organizations.
• Co-Author of “Ripple of Change”: Todd co-wrote Ripple of Change with Joshua J. Judy, detailing their experiences with healthcare challenges and offering a roadmap for transformation.
• Founder of Our Quadruple Aim: Todd co-founded Our Quadruple Aim, a movement that promotes patient experience, quality care, cost reduction, and provider wellness—challenging the status quo in healthcare.

Speaking and Thought Leadership

Todd is a sought-after speaker on healthcare transformation, burnout, and systemic change. His keynote speech, “The Power of 1 + 1,” inspires individuals and organizations to take action in disrupting the status quo. His speaking engagements emphasize:

• The importance of grassroots physician advocacy
• The need for equity and human dignity in healthcare
• Strategies to empower clinicians and patients to drive meaningful change

External Links

• Ripple of Change (Signed Copies): www.rippleofchange.us
• Todd’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-r-otten-md-faafp-173028277

Todd Otten continues to be a driving force for change in healthcare, embodying the spirit of Medicine Forward’s mission to catalyze positive change so patient-physician relationships can flourish.