Jason Sandner

NAME: Jason Sandner

NEW JOB TITLE: Raleigh, North Carolina-based CEO, Curi

PREVIOUS POSITION: Raleigh, North Carolina-based chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Curi

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: COVID-19 has presented the medical profession with, arguably, one of its most profound challenges. Yet, the health care industry has been under immense pressure for quite some time. The need for scale within the health care profession has led to rapid consolidation over the recent decade, including health system expansion, private equity aggregation, and merger and acquisition activity among independent practices. It’s difficult to see an end to this trend. In the medical professional liability space, the cyclical nature of the market has once again been reinforced as conditions harden. The average cost of defending and settling claims continues to escalate for a number of reasons, resulting in industry-wide premium increases on health care systems and practices at a time when health care costs are already on an unsustainable trajectory.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: The entire Curi team has been working diligently over the past eight to 10 years to establish a foundation from which we can grow and diversify our business. It’s a path we will continue to focus on. We have expanded significantly on both the geographic and product diversification fronts in recent years, and we have substantial opportunity to gain market share across our various Curi offerings. Though we were founded in 1975 as a medical professional liability insurer, it’s clear that physicians and their practices are facing an increasing number of challenges outside of that space. We have and will continue to build out our offerings to meet those needs — from other lines of insurance, to wealth management, to practice management and advisory services.

CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Health care professionals throughout our core footprint aren’t immune to the pandemic-related pressures, nor have they been spared the need to achieve scale within their businesses. While physicians have been putting themselves in harm’s way to care for their patients during the pandemic, they’re also seeing their patient volumes decline drastically at a time when they can least afford due to the need for growth and scale. The unfortunate reality is that a deep uncertainty about physicians’ health and financial future hangs over everything they do today. Having acknowledged that reality, we’re also seeing an innovative spirit emerge as practices reimagine how they’ll deliver health care in new ways, with new technologies and service models.

FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I joined the Curi team (formerly Medical Mutual) in 2011. However, my role prior to joining Curi also focused on supporting insurance companies with auditing and other accounting and financial services. I’ve spent my entire career in the insurance and financial services arena.

ADVICE: The insurance industry has a reputation for being stodgy — and for good reason. That said, the wave of insurtech and data analytics pushing through the space is presenting some exciting opportunities for those willing to invest and explore. That, coupled with a rapidly evolving health care landscape, makes the medical liability industry and the opportunity to support physicians a great place to focus one’s career. Don’t let the decades-old image of insurance deter you from reimagining what could be.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I’ve always thought it would be awesome to fly fighter jets, and experience that power and speed. Maybe I’ve watched too much “Top Gun” throughout my life. There’s a reasonable chance I’d chicken out if given the opportunity.

COLLEGE MAJOR: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Towson University

LOOKING FORWARD TO: We have an exceptional team here at Curi — and we are growing, adding new and impressive talent to our ranks and developing the talented colleagues who are already part of the Curi family. I am thrilled to continue working side by side with this group in the relentless pursuit of our mission to help physicians in medicine, business and life.

FAVOURITE MEAL: As simple and unhealthy as it may be, it’s hard for me to pass up a great cheeseburger. Perhaps it’s a way to support the cardiologists we work with.

BOOK: It’s hard for me to pick just one, but those high on my list include “Moneyball” and “The Boys in the Boat.” Aside from my interest in athletics, in those books you’ll find a nice intersection of innovation, discipline, perseverance, teamwork and execution — several key ingredients for success.

HOBBIES: I’ve been involved in athletics since I was a boy, baseball being a passion of mine. Since my playing days have come to an end, I’ve filled that void with golf over the years and enjoy hitting the links with my friends and my sons.

TV SHOW: I’ve been a dedicated fan of “Survivor” since its first season. There are elements of the show that at times leave something to be desired, but I really enjoy the collision of emotional intelligence, physical capabilities and endurance. When I was a younger man, I had thoughts of trying out for the show. That never happened, but I do enjoy watching.

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: My wife and I are the proud parents of five young boys, aged 4 to 15 years old. Their activities consume many of our Saturday afternoons. I also tend to be a do-it-yourselfer, so there’s no shortage of activities around the house to tend to. When free time truly emerges, I enjoy time on the golf course.