Empath Health Announces New Mission-Focused Clinical Leaders

June 6, 2022 – 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.