How to Solve One of the Most Expensive Problems in Employer Healthcare

by Elizabeth Rice, Shealynn Buck, Carrie Bowling, Steven J. Lester and Oyebode Taiwo

March 11, 2026

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Summary.

In 2019, Monte Leifheit, a warehouse operator at 3M, noticed his left eye was bloodshot and swollen. What began as a minor irritation turned into a yearlong medical odyssey marked by the lack of a diagnosis, ineffective treatments, and compounding side effects—all while costs escalated.

Elizabeth Rice is the division chair for specialty contracting at Mayo Clinic, where she leads teams supporting the Mayo Clinic Complex Care Program, transplant and cell and gene therapy contracting, payer centers of excellence, and international contracting.

Shealynn Buck , MD, is the chief medical officer at Lockton Companies, where she leads clinical strategy and works with a multidisciplinary clinical team to help employers improve the quality, effectiveness, and affordability of their health benefits.

Carrie Bowling is a senior clinical consultant at Lockton Companies, where she oversees all referrals to the Mayo Clinic Complex Care Program. A family nurse practitioner with more than two decades of advanced clinical experience, she specializes in evidence-based care and system-level quality improvement, helping employers and members navigate complex clinical needs and improve outcomes across diverse populations.

Steven J. Lester , MD, is a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and also serves as the medical director of the Mayo Clinic Discovery Oasis project, associate medical director for contracting and payer relations, and medical director of the Mayo Clinic Complex Care Program.

Oyebode Taiwo , MD, is senior vice president and chief medical officer of 3M, where he leads the company’s global health strategy and oversees its medical organization.

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How to Solve One of the Most Expensive Problems in Employer Healthcare

Summary.

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