UPMC Health Plan Pediatrician Honored by AL DIA as a “2021 Top Doc in Medicine”

Pittsburgh (Jan. 27, 2021) – Multi-platform, Latino-focused media outlet AL DIA today honored Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, Senior Medical Services Director-Pediatrics, UPMC Health Plan, as one of their “2021 Top Docs in Medicine.”

“Whether she’s providing direct care or advocating for new approaches to care, Dr. Vidal-Phelan brings clinical excellence, compassion and leadership to our efforts to support her patients,” said Dr. James Schuster, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Medical and Behavioral Health, for UPMC Health Plan. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting Latino and other communities, Dr. Vidal-Phelan has been a reliable, steady source of factual information about health care resources and support—AL DIA’s recognition is well-deserved.”

Dr. Vidal-Phelan is part of a dedicated team working to ensure Spanish-speaking UPMC Insurance Services Division members receive the most up-to-date and accurate information on COVID-19, with a strong focus on improving access to comprehensive health care during the pandemic. Her leadership in this area during the past year includes being the keynote speaker for a live Facebook chat with Spanish-speaking clinicians on COVID-19, providing medical-focused updates to Spanish-speaking media outlets across the state and enhancing pediatric strategy at the Insurance Services Division.

Through the Top Docs Award, AL DIA seeks to recognize medical professionals who enrich diversity in top health organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region and their daily contributions to the quality of health care in the U.S. According to the Journal of Academic Medicine, the proportion of Latino physicians is not keeping pace with the growth of the Latino population, which now accounts for 18 percent of the U.S. population. Research shows that there are 105 Latino physicians per 100,000 Latino patients, compared to 315 white physicians per 100,000 white patients.

“I am honored to receive this recognition, which energizes me to continue to support and mentor other Latinos pursuing careers in medicine and to ensure that all our committees have access to reliable information and health care services,” said Dr. Vidal-Phelan.

About UPMC Insurance Services

Serving more than 3.9 million members, UPMC Insurance Services is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh. UPMC Insurance Services includes commercial products from UPMC Health Plan for groups as well as individuals. Commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners. Government products include Medicare Advantage (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); Medical Assistance (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program (UPMC for Kids). Also part of UPMC Insurance Services is Community Care Behavioral Health, one of the nation's largest managed care behavioral health organizations. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.