MARIA SAMERSON, MD, FAAP, MBA – CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, SUNSHINE HEALTH PLAN

Dr. Maria Samerson is a board certified pediatrician. Her areas of interest include: advocacy for underserved populations; developmental and behavioral pediatrics; childhood obesity; and preventative medicine. She practiced in Hillsborough County, Florida prior to joining WellCare in 2014 as a corporate medical director. In her current role she leads Sunshine’s Medical Affairs and Quality teams, and is a collaborative partner for multiple business units, including Utilization Management, Appeals, Marketing/Communications, Provider Engagement and Government Affairs. Dr. Samerson works together with our partner physicians, facilities and ancillary providers to resolve issues. She applies her clinical expertise to assist in the development of care improvement programs to improve health outcomes for the member population.

Dr. Samerson completed her General Pediatrics Residency William Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan and from 2008 through 2009, and also served as Chief Resident in her final year.  She earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Samerson was awarded her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, with a Minor in Philosophy, from Boston University. She graduated from the University of Florida’s Executive MBA program in May 2022.

Dr. Samerson is active in the Tampa Bay community, currently serves on the Childrens Health Network Board of Directors, and is the immediate past President of the Patel Conservatory Volunteers, which supports the educational activities at the Straz Center in Tampa, Florida.