Cara Kato

About Cara Kato

Clinical & Commercial Strategist | Occupational Therapist | Microsoft Certified in Generative AII am a Master’s-level clinical strategist with over 10 years of experience navigating the complex intersections of patient care, facility operations, and market access. My career is defined by a deep expertise in the Long-Term Care (LTC), Neuro, and Acute Care ecosystems across the Southeast and Texas.Strategic Bridge-Builder:Currently at Optum, I specialize in identifying and removing barriers to care within the LTC landscape. I serve as the strategic bridge between interdisciplinary teams, pharmacies, and providers to ensure seamless therapy initiation and optimal patient outcomes.Territory & Market Expertise:With 8+ years as a high-adaptability professional across GA, NC, SC, TN, and TX, I possess an unparalleled understanding of regional healthcare geography, provider networks, and state-specific regulatory environments.Innovation-Driven:Recently certified by Microsoft and LinkedIn in Generative AI, I leverage cutting-edge technology to analyze market trends, automate administrative workflows, and sharpen account-level strategies. I believe in using data and AI to humanize healthcare, not just digitize it.Core Competencies:Systems of Care: Account Management | LTC Pull-Through | Clinical LiaisonMarket Access: HCP Engagement | Territory Strategy | Managed CareClinical Depth: Neurology | Geriatrics | Internal Medicine | Rehab Science

Experience

1. Patient Care Coordinator

   Optum

   Aug 2023 — Present

   Coordinated meetings with families and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care plans for patients with various diagnoses.• Identified and resolved barriers to safe discharges, leading to improved patient outcomes.• Maintained professional expertise through continuous learning and educational seminars.

Education

• Tennessee Technological University

  Biology

  2003 — 2006

• Tennessee State University

  Masters of Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

  2009 — 2011

• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

  Bachelor's degree of Health Science Biology, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

  2006

Skills

• Occupational Therapy
• Musculoskeletal
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Sensory Integration
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Chronic Illness
• Orthopedic
• Microsoft Office
• Acute Care
• Manual Therapy
• Acute Rehabilitation
• Cpr Certified
• Hospitals
• Powerpoint
• Orthopedics
• Treatment
• Inpatient
• Rehab
• Rehabilitation
• Geriatric Rehabilitation
• Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Cognition
• Myofascial Release
• Clinical Supervision
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Cpr)
• Home Care
• Group Therapy
• Interventions