Jill Sumfest, M.D., M.S., FACS

With more than 40 years of experience in health care, Jill Sumfest, M.D., M.S., FACS, GatorCare medical director, has worked on the practice side with patients and in managed care with insurance companies. Now, Sumfest is ready for a new challenge — the employer side of the health care equation. In her new position she is responsible for providing clinical leadership and helping develop new programs that will improve the health outcomes of GatorCare members.“With her background in managed care, Dr. Sumfest brings experience and knowledge about what other groups are implementing throughout the state,” said Mary Alice Albritton, GatorCare director. “She has jumped right in supporting current initiatives, building relationships with physicians and leaders throughout the organization, and exploring available services to leverage opportunities with the resources we have available.”We asked Sumfest several questions, including how she stays healthy and what’s on the horizon for GatorCare.

What are your main focus areas in the coming years for GatorCare and wellness?

I’m focusing on designing new and exciting ways to engage GatorCare members and help them make better choices to improve their health.

How do GatorCare’s wellness resources compare to those at other organizations?

I was amazed at how much GatorCare has accomplished over the past two years — the energy of the team is contagious.

What wellness activities can we look forward to this fall?

We plan to focus on nutrition, prediabetes and diabetes. We will roll out a nutrition challenge, activities to help you stay healthy during the holiday season and more.

What is your favorite healthy snack or recipe?

Almonds and fresh fruit.

Your group just wrapped up the Health@Home, Well@Work initiative. How do you stay well at work?

I take the stairs instead of the elevator, park far away from the stairs in the parking garage, pack a lunch and track my steps with a FitBit. I periodically get up from my desk to stretch and take a quick walk to increase my energy level.