Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD
Candidate - Vice President
Candidate Bio
Dr. Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO CMD is a Senior Medical Director for UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. She is responsible for clinical strategy, quality improvement, clinical program development, and innovation. She has expertise in Health Equity, Behavioral Health solutions, Social Determinants of Health integration into clinical models, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Culture change, Post-Acute & Long-term Care Medical management and system development, and Hospice & Palliative care models. She collaborates with employers and plan sponsor groups nationally to address quality, affordability, and care delivery for their retirees.
Dr. Sanders-Cepeda is a Geriatrician and Certified Medical Director who has focused her career on Geriatric care across the Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Continuum. She began her career at Nova Southeastern University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geriatrics. Her passion for program development and the practical application of medical models led her to starting her own medical practice which focused on Geriatric Medical Care, Resource Management, and Transitions of care across the Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Continuum. As Dr. Sanders-Cepeda grew her practice, her expertise in Geriatric Medicine led her to create an Inpatient Geriatric Care unit at a South Florida Hospital, develop Palliative Care initiatives for Home Health’s and SNFs, and serve in the capacity of Physician advisor and Medical Director for multiple Skilled Nursing Facilities, Inpatient Units, and Hospice Groups. Dr. Sanders-Cepeda, then transitioned into United Health Group as an Optum Medical Director for the South Florida Market. While in Optum, she used her skills to focus on Clinical Strategic Planning, Educational initiatives, and Clinical Development of Optum’s Advanced Practice Clinicians.
Dr. Sanders-Cepeda believes in professional volunteerism and is an active member of the PALTmed - Post-Acute and Long-Term Medical Association. With PALTMED, she currently serves as Program Director for PALTC25, as the chair of PALTmed’s DEI committee, and as a member of PALTmed’s Education Steering Committee and Governance Taskforce. Dr. Sanders-Cepeda sat on the Board of Directors for PALTmed from 3/2021 to 3/2024. On the state level, Dr. Sanders-Cepeda remains an active member of the Florida Medical Directors Association and serves as the Immediate-Past President of the organization, as well as the chair of the FMDA’s Nomination Committee and FMDA’s Journal Club. Dr. Sanders-Cepeda also hosts national podcasts for PALTmed and is a contributing writer for Caring for the Ages – a PALTMED publication.
Affiliations: United Health Group – UHC M&R, United Retiree Solutions
Current position: Senior Medical Director, UHC M&R, United Retiree Solutions
School, Degree, Credentials:
University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2003
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
Family Medicine, Board Certified
Geriatric Medicine, Board Certified
Certified Medical Director
Candidate Statement
Throughout my career and through my service in this organization, I have developed the ability to thrive under uncertainty, identify opportunities within challenges, pursue innovation, and lead with empathy and decisiveness. These qualities align with the needs of PALTmed as we confront changing demographics, ongoing inequities in access to care, and the critical need for advancements in policies affecting aging populations. I recognize that PALTmed is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration across organizations, driving the cohesion necessary to address these challenges effectively. This is why I am eager to serve. I see our shared vision unfolding and feel deeply committed to advancing our immediate priorities while contributing to a robust, long-term strategy.
To move the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) organization forward, we must tackle challenges across the care continuum while leveraging opportunities to increase visibility and expand awareness of our capabilities. While internal education and dialogue remain essential, we also have a unique opportunity to showcase PALTmed’s leadership development programs, promote policy initiatives, and reimagine how we present our work to the broader healthcare community.
A crucial part of this effort involves telling our story more effectively and reaching people where they are. We must continue to amplify our message and increase visibility through podcasts, publications, and social media. Strengthening our presence is essential to positioning PALTmed as a thought leader. If I were to make a wish list, it would include sharing concise summaries of clinical practice guidance, spotlighting our leaders on social media platforms, and engaging in meaningful conversations beyond internal channels.
Moreover, developing high-quality case studies will allow us to demonstrate the tangible impact of our work. These case studies can serve as valuable tools for payors, providers, and vendors, showcasing PALTmed’s practical insights and contributions to the field. By presenting real-world evidence of our successes, we can further solidify our reputation as a leader in post-acute and long-term care.
Community engagement is another vital component of our mission. By actively participating in or sponsoring sessions at universities, healthcare facilities, and student organizations, we can strengthen connections and raise awareness of our work. These efforts will not only help attract future leaders and collaborators but also foster a sense of partnership with the communities we serve. Building these relationships is essential for sustaining momentum and advancing our mission in meaningful ways.
To propel our organization forward, we must embrace these strategies with purpose, ensuring that every initiative aligns with PALTmed’s overarching vision and mission. By increasing our visibility, effectively sharing our story, and engaging with diverse audiences, we can position PALTmed as an innovative and inspiring force for change within the healthcare continuum.
If selected for this role, I will champion these efforts with energy and focus. I will work diligently with everyone to address pressing challenges, explore innovative solutions, and build partnerships that enhance PALTmed’s impact. Together, we can create a future where post-acute and long-term care is not only accessible and equitable but also a model for compassionate and effective healthcare.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and contribute to PALTmed’s mission of advancing care across the continuum.
Return to Candidates Page