About the University of Toledo Physicians

“The mission of University of Toledo Physicians, LLC, is to provide the highest quality, comprehensive, cost-efficient and effective healthcare in a patient-centered environment, distinguished by national leadership in medical education and research.”

The University of Toledo Physicians strives to provide the highest quality personalized care to patients throughout Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Representing more than 300 providers, UT Physicians are the leaders in clinical care, serving patients in a wide range of medical specialties from the most complex diagnoses and treatments to primary care for the entire family. We are the academic practice plan of the University of Toledo. Our providers practice at hospitals and medical practices throughout the surrounding areas and provide the greatest quality of care to patients across the region. In addition to providing clinical services, the organization embodies superior administrative practice management services including credentialing, health plan enrollment, managed care contracting, compliance, fee schedule maintenance, billing, payment processing, and collection services.

UTP Leadership

Kristopher Brickman, MD

Chief Executive Physician

Dr. Kristopher Brickman is the Chief Physician Executive at the University of Toledo Physicians. He has over 38 years of experience in the healthcare industry from several Northwest Ohio Institutions. Dr. Brickman serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Innovation and Simulation College for the University of Toledo Medicine and Life Sciences. He is also the founding chairman for the University of Toledo Emergency Medicine Residency Program established in 2010.

Dr. Brickman earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Ohio State University and his Medical degree from Wright State University. Completing his post graduate studies in Emergency Medicine in 1987.

Bryan Pyles

Chief Financial Officer

Bryan Pyles serves as Chief Financial Officer for University of Toledo Physicians and is the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Finance for the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. He has served in administrative and financial leadership for more than 15 years and previously served as the Executive Director of UTP. Bryan serves as the treasurer of the University’s captive, University of Toledo Medical Assurance Company, since 2007.

Bryan earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Toledo.

Heidi Hartz

Director, Ambulatory Services

Heidi Hartz serves as the Director of Ambulatory Services for the University of Toledo Physicians group. She has over 18 years of experience in healthcare operations and management holding various roles within acute and ambulatory facilities. Heidi is an expert in optimization of net compliant revenue, reducing operational inefficiencies, and streamlining workflows to maximize performance of multi-specialty physician practices.

Heidi earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management and Administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio. She went on to earn a Master’s of Business, Executive Program from the University of Toledo. Heidi holds a certificate in green belt and professional human resources. Heidi is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Heather R. Smith

Director of Revenue Cycle

Heather Smith is the Director of Revenue Cycle. She has over 25 years of healthcare operations and leadership experience, and has worked for multiple large accredited residency programs, including Western Michigan University and Trinity Saint Joseph Health Systems in Indiana. She manages all aspects of billing, coding and collections and performs medical record documentation analysis and coding audits to ensure regulatory compliance.

Heather earned both a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership from Siena Heights University. She also obtained her Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Medical Auditor designations from the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Tim Poplawski

Director of Strategy and Value Based Care

Tim Poplawski is the Director of Strategy and Value Based Care. He has over 35 years of experience in healthcare organization, working for several health systems in Contracting and Finance, including Mercy Health and University of Michigan Medicine. Tim is an expert in value-based care arrangements and understanding what is needed to achieve success.

Tim earned his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Toledo.

Mindy Ward

Controller

Mindy Ward is the Controller at University of Toledo Physicians. She has over 34 years of healthcare experience at multiple healthcare organizations. Her focus has been Financial/Accounting and Revenue Cycle Management. Mindy spent the majority of her career with Mercy Health System where she was Controller for the Northern Division.

Mindy earned both her Bachelor’s of Business Administration and Master’s of Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration from the University of Toledo.

Tim Zemaitis

Director of Human Resources

Tim Zemaitis is the Director of Human Resources, and has been in the field for over 15 years. Tim has a consistent focus on investing in employees and collaborating with stakeholders to support the organization’s strategic goals of improving patient wellbeing. Tim earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Human Resources Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and holds a certificate in professional human resources.