Dr. Olunwa Ikpeazu serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Better Health of Florida, a Florida Medicaid managed care organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for diverse and underserved populations across the state. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Ikpeazu brings an extensive clinical background in pediatrics. Prior to joining Aetna, she was at another Florida-based health plan, where she oversaw the care of thousands of children with medically complex conditions, enhanced quality of care, and improved member outcomes.
A strong advocate for patient-centered, equitable care, Dr. Ikpeazu is committed to advancing innovative models of care, integrating behavioral and physical health services, and leveraging data analytics to drive improved performance and outcomes.
How did your career in healthcare start?
I have wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I had two uncles who were physicians, and their influence helped nurture my desire to pursue medicine.
I trained as a pediatrician and practiced in a variety of healthcare settings, including pediatric clinics, academic medicine, and physician leadership roles. Over time, my career evolved from direct patient care to healthcare management and executive leadership.
My transition into managed care happened somewhat by chance. It was never part of my plan while I was in medical school. At the time, I was raising four children and was looking for a role that offered greater work-life balance. I pursued an MBA, stepped away from clinical practice, and joined a small managed care organization. That decision ultimately led me to Aetna and a career focused on improving healthcare at scale.
You’ve worked in a number of sectors and roles across the industry. How have those experiences shaped your perspective as a healthcare leader?
I have had the privilege of experiencing healthcare from multiple perspectives. I have worked in academia, owned my own pediatric practice, practiced within a large single-specialty pediatric group, and eventually transitioned to the health plan environment.
These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the challenges and priorities faced by providers, health systems, and payers. Most importantly, they have reinforced a core belief: when we place the patient at the center of every decision, the right priorities become clearer, the right actions become easier, and leadership becomes more meaningful. Regardless of the setting, the best outcomes occur when we remain focused on serving the needs of patients and their families.
What are you most excited to be working on as Chief Medical Officer at Aetna?
What excites me most is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of a large and diverse Medicaid population. Many of our members face significant challenges, including limited access to resources, unmet social needs, and complex healthcare conditions. Through our work, we have the ability to address not only their medical needs but also the social factors that influence their health and well-being.
I am especially proud of the progress we have made in supporting our maternity members. We have expanded access to care, created meaningful incentives that encourage engagement in care, enhanced our value-added benefits, and strengthened support services through care management programs, doula services, and other community-based resources. Knowing that these efforts can improve outcomes for mothers and babies is incredibly rewarding.
What might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?
I think the WBL network might be surprised to learn that, in addition to my healthcare career, I am also an entrepreneur. My sister and I co-own a fashion accessories company that celebrates the vibrant beauty of African prints through handcrafted handbags and jewelry.
Our brand is about more than fashion. We are passionate about supporting independent women artisans who create our products, helping provide economic opportunities while sharing the rich cultural heritage and artistry of Africa. It has been a rewarding way to combine creativity, culture, and empowerment outside of my work in healthcare.
