Dr. Leo A. Chugunov is a Russian-born Physician and American professional healthcare administrator. Dr. Chugunov was born and raised not far from the Arctic Circle - in St. Petersburg, Russia. He started his career rather humbly as a volunteer in a hospital where he washed dishes in the kitchen. From a young age he had a call to live life with purpose. This brought him to the First St. Petersburg State Pavlov Medical University in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 1996 he graduated from university with Medical Doctor’s Degree. Immediately after graduation Dr. Chugunov entered Internal Medicine Residency Program. After residency he worked in Russian branches of couple multinational Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson and Johnson. Financial crisis of August 1998 followed by hyperinflation forced him to look for job opportunities abroad. Dr. Leo Chugunov looked at the United States of America, the land of opportunity, as the next major step in his life and career. As a result of that, in 2000 Dr. Chugunov began working as Medical Laboratory Scientist at Parkview Health in Indiana. His first leadership experience took place in Beacon Health System in Three Rivers, Michigan where he served as Laboratory Manager. From that role he progressed to Director of Ancillary Services in the University of Michigan – Sparrow Health System, Administrative Director of Laboratory at Community Health System and Chief Executive Officer and Governing Director of Sault Tribe Health and Human Services.

As CEO of the Sault Tribe Health and Human Services Division, he led a large organization with 300+ employees serving over 16,000 patients at multiple locations with a $50M+ annual operational budget. In CEO’s role Dr. Chugunov demonstrated truly servant leadership. He introduced pharmacogenomic testing to enhance addiction treatment outcomes, established Recovery housing, launched Medication Assisted Treatment program and expanded access to withdrawal medications. Dr. Chugunov’s proven track record of strategic planning and operational excellence allowed Health Division to achieve historic third-party revenue growth. Under his financial stewardship, the Division’s operational reserves grew from 61 to 412 days. Dr. Chugunov also envisioned Division’s Occupational Health and HR departments from the ground up, laying a foundation for long-term organizational improvement. His tenure as CEO of the Sault Tribe Division of Health and Human Services was marked effective leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he promptly procured critical supplies, organized and led mass testing and vaccination efforts, introduced antiviral treatments. For his courage and exemplar service he was decorated with the Eagle’s Feather, the highest honor issued by the Native American Traditional community. His board-level involvement with the Michigan Primary Care Association and strong relationships with other health centers’ and hospitals’ leaders reflect his genuine passion for healthcare. Dr. Chugunov has 16 years of leadership experience with 7 years serving in executive role, which has been enriched by his diverse background in healthcare governance, shaped by global experiences, and a deep commitment to innovation.

Currently Dr. Chugunov is serving Bay Mills Indian Community at Bay Mills Health Center. His experience in multi-faceted healthcare settings allows him to successfully manage various projects and to expand laboratory services. Dr. Chugunov is active on LinkedIn there he gained around 5000 followers.

Dr. Chugunov’s professional journey, from clinical beginnings to executive leadership, underscores his adaptability, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes for patients.