Christine Braid

About Christine Braid

I am a physician executive who leads at the intersection of clinical excellence, enterprise strategy, and accountable performance. With more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience, I build scalable, equitable systems that align quality outcomes with financial stewardship across complex healthcare environments.My work spans medical governance, payer–provider alignment, value-based performance, clinical program integration, and enterprise-level operational transformation. I focus on strengthening medical oversight structures, enhancing regulatory integrity, and driving disciplined decision-making that sustains long-term organizational performance.Throughout my career, I have partnered with boards, executive teams, physicians, and multidisciplinary leaders to design care models that are clinically rigorous, financially responsible, and built to scale. I believe sustainable healthcare requires clarity, alignment, and courage — and I am committed to building organizations that can withstand complexity while continuing to serve communities with integrity.I am particularly interested in advancing equitable care delivery, strengthening governance frameworks, and developing leadership cultures that support both accountability and innovation.

Experience

1. Chief Medical Officer

   Western Health Advantage

   Mar 2026 — Present · CA, US

   As Chief Medical Officer of Western Health Advantage, I lead the clinical and medical management strategy for our regional health plan serving Northern California.I oversee all areas of Medical Management including Utilization Management, Quality Improvement, Credentialing, Medical Policy Development, Appeals & Grievances, Medical Informatics, Regulatory Oversight, and Clinical Program Development.I serve as Chair of the Quality Committee, Appeals Review Committee, and Peer Review Committee, and as a member of the Pharmacy Oversight Committee. I report directly to the CEO and Board of Directors, providing clinical insight and operational analysis to guide strategy, risk management, and performance.As Chief Health Equity Officer for the plan, I am responsible for advancing equitable access and outcomes across all plan services.My focus includes:• Strengthening provider integration across medical groups and hospital partners• Driving Total Cost of Care strategy through disciplined medical risk management• Ensuring regulatory excellence across California and federal frameworks (DMHC, CMS, CalPERS, Covered CA, FEHB)• Developing data-driven strategies to improve member experience and clinical outcomes• Leading high-performing medical management teamsI believe sustainable health plan performance requires clinical integrity, operational discipline, and strong physician alignment. My commitment is to build systems that deliver quality, access, affordability, and equity — for members, providers, and employers across Northern California.

Education

• Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Health/Health Care Administration/Management

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  Biochemistry

• Midwestern University

  Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine