HealthPartners names Mark Sannes, MD, co-executive medical director

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – HealthPartners today announced that Mark Sannes, MD, has been named co-executive medical director of its care group. In this role, he’ll provide leadership for clinical operations, quality improvement and patient experience across HealthPartners. He’ll also continue his hospital and clinical practice as an infectious disease physician.

A Minnesota native, Dr. Sannes has served in multiple roles since joining Park Nicollet in 2006. He was named senior medical director in 2015 and has been the organization’s clinical lead for COVID-19. Over the past 20 months, Dr. Sannes has advised on countless internal clinical and operational decisions and served as a key partner in HealthPartners broader response with local, state and national health agencies, as well as other health systems.

“We’re excited for Mark to step into this new role,” said HealthPartners President and CEO Andrea Walsh. “He is a collaborative and thoughtful leader, known for being patient-centered and always in pursuit of quality and improvement.”

Dr. Sannes is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Disease Society of America. He’s also been recognized as a Top Doctor by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine nine years in a row. Prior to joining HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, Dr. Sannes was an infectious disease physician at Hennepin County Medical Center. He’s a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School and has a Master of Science in Clinical Research from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Dr. Sannes will co-lead HealthPartners care group along with Steve Connelly, MD, co-executive medical director, and Nance McClure, chief operating officer. He will succeed Brian Rank, MD, who is retiring from this leadership role at the end of the year. During his more than 25 years of leadership with HealthPartners, Dr. Rank has made countless contributions as both a physician leader and oncologist, including helping to build effective collaborations in our region, improving health equity and mentoring and encouraging new clinicians. He will continue his HealthPartners oncology practice and work closely with the team during this transition.