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RLI Taking the Lead Podcast

Episode 63: Pat A. Basu, MD, MBA




Revolutionizing Healthcare


April 26, 2024

In this inspiring episode, host, Geoffrey Rubin, MD, MBA, FACR, talks with Pat Basu, MD, MBA, trailblazing business leader, entrepreneur, and physician with an unwavering commitment to enhancing the American healthcare system.  Dr. Basu has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions, receiving the AMA's National Excellence Award for Leadership, and the Chicago Business 40 Under 40 Award in 2017.

Born in the US, the son of immigrants, Dr. Basu grew up in the Chicago suburbs, shaped by his parents’ search for the American Dream. With a heavy emphasis on academics, he became involved in a variety of activities and experiences each contributing to his leadership and life philosophy. After completing medical school at the University of Chicago, combining it with an MBA from its Booth School of Business, Dr. Basu went on to complete his residency in radiology and serve as Chief Resident at Stanford University.

Currently Managing Partner of Varsity Healthcare Partners, Dr. Basu’s meteoric rise in healthcare leadership has led him to roles including President and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), President of Optum Care, Co-founder and CEO of Doctor on Demand and former President and COO of vRad.

Dr. Basu has served on the Board of Directors for the University of Illinois and the Stanford University Medical Alumni Association, as a Presidentially appointed White House Fellow and Senior Advisor, is a member of the US Leadership Councils with Germany, India, Japan, and Italy, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Prioritizing balance in his professional and personal lives, Dr. Basu love sports, travel and his family and coaches CEOs and other leaders to find that balance as well. Having achieved so much so quickly, Dr. Basu shares his belief in thinking 20 years from now and imagines the possibilities for the future.  One thing is sure, he has already left an indelible mark on American Healthcare and he isn’t done yet.

Pat A. Basu, MD, MBA

Pat Basu, MD, MBA, is a pioneering business leader, entrepreneur, and physician whose professional mission has been to build a better American healthcare system and, by extension, a better America. A former Stanford University physician and White House Advisor, Pat has served as the principal leader of organizations in the public, private, and government sectors with direct responsibility for managed care or delivery of care to more than 25 million Americans. This impact encompasses leading two national healthcare providers and a Fortune 10 managed care organization; helping start a leading virtual health company and serving as a growth equity investor in the health, technology, and services sectors. Dr. Basu currently serves as a Managing Partner of Varsity Healthcare Partners where he leads investments in high growth companies and entrepreneurs improving health care. In this capacity he also oversees Varsity Operations, a team of former CEOs, CFOs and CIOs which help guide portfolio investments in their growth.

Full bio »

Did You Know?

Dr. Basu married his wife, Kelly Basu, eight years ago. Together, they have five wonderful children and one beautiful Husky. Outside of work, Dr. Basu loves having fun with his wife and kids. He enjoys playing and watching sports—Bears, Fighting Illini, Cubs, and Bulls, he’s heavily engaged in geopolitics/economics, and loves to read both fiction and non-fiction.

Dr. Basu loves traveling! He’s been to more than 50 countries across six continents. His favorite destination while traveling with his wife was to the Maldives. His favorite cultural destinations were Brazil and Argentina. And, finally, when traveling for sport and adventure, his favorite destination was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Before deciding to pursue radiology, Dr. Basu studied mechanical engineering in college and was considering working in technology or space. While in medical school, he enjoyed working with his hands and loved the musculoskeletal system so considered Orthopedic surgery. He also has a love for children so considered pediatrics and thinks the heart is an amazing organ so also considered Cardiology. But ultimately, he decided on radiology.

Dr. Basu’s favorite foods are seafood (Joe’s Stone Crab) and deep-dish Chicago Style pizza. His favorite beverages are the expresso martini or a full-bodied glass of cabernet. 

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