(Clearwater & Sarasota) Empath Health is pleased to announce its senior-level medical chief positions Dr. Carol Li as Chief Mission Medical Administrative Officer and Dr. Neville Sarkari Chief Mission Medical Affairs Officer. The full life care provider serving Tampa Bay and southwest Florida provides care and support for more than 14,000 people daily with chronic and advanced illnesses and those dealing with grief.

Empath Health CEO Rafael J. Sciullo said, “We pride ourselves on the expert medical care we provide to our patients Dr. Li and Dr. Sarkari will help ensure we continue but also work to increase this excellence while continuing to make Empath Health a premier employment destination for physicians.

“With mission being at the center of our purpose and service at Empath Health, these senior clinical leaders will focus on the specialized medical care we provide and retaining the top talent to do so,” said Jonathan Fleece, President of Empath Health.

Carol Li, DO, Chief Mission Medical Administrative Officer
Dr. Li provides direction, guidance and oversight to Empath Health’s medical staff including Suncoast Hospice, Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough and Tidewell Hospice ensuring high-quality care, service and experiences for patients and families. Most recently she was Suncoast Hospice’s Medical Director. Dr. Li received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey and is dually certified in hospice and palliative care following fellowship through the University of South Florida.

Neville Sarkari, MD, FACP, MBA, Chief Mission Medical Affairs Officer
Dr. Sarkari is responsible for establishing a progressive vision and strategic direction focusing on patient, family and client satisfaction as well as creating quality, safety and patient experience for all Empath Health medical programs. Dr. Sarkari brings a strong background in primary care, hospice care and medical management. Most recently he was Executive Vice President/Chief Medical Officer of Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath Health. Previously Dr. Sarkari served as Senior Vice President, Medical Services and Senior Vice President, Operations/Interim COO at Covenant Hospice in Florida’s Panhandle. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine and has been elected a Fellow in the American College of Physicians.

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ABOUT EMPATH HEALTH

Empath Health is the country’s largest not-for-profit health system delivering non-acute care and services through its skilled, medical and holistic programs to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses and those experiencing grief. We were created in 2021 through the merger of two leading nonprofit, integrated networks of care: Empath Health, serving the Tampa Bay region, and Stratum Health System, serving Southwest Florida. The Empath Health integrated network of care provides expert medical, counseling and support services including hospice; home health; palliative care; grief services; all-inclusive elder care; HIV/STI prevention, services and support; primary care; and physician services. Empath Health serves more than 12,000 people a day, creating a bridge between chronic, advanced and terminal care and providing seamless integration based on individual needs. Collectively, we have nearly 90 years of experience serving individuals during some of their most vulnerable times. Our wide variety of community-based programs reflects our commitment to the preservation of our charitable mission.