Since joining the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) in 1995 as chief executive officer, James L. Weidner has overseen a three-fold increase in the number of California physicians served by CAP and its core product, the Mutual Protection Trust (MPT).
In that time, MPT, which provides medical professional liability protection for CAP physicians, has earned three consecutive A+ (Superior) Ratings from A.M. Best Company based on the company’s exceptional financial stability, and CAP has greatly expanded its services to physicians through its own insurance agencies and other programs. In particular, CAP is known as a national leader in bringing risk management and patient safety programs to its physician members.
In May of 2008, Mr. Weidner was elected vice chair of the Physician Insurers Association of America (PIAA), a trade association of more than 50 professional liability (medical malpractice) insurance companies owned and operated by doctors and dentists. Mr. Weidner’s election not only recognizes his accomplishments during his six-year PIAA board service, but also his “dedication, professionalism and, above all, his leadership abilities,” according to Larry Smarr, PIAA president.
Prior to joining CAP, Mr. Weidner was a western region senior vice president for the Home Insurance Company. As part of the Home’s New Ventures Unit, he worked on the company’s 24-hour medical coverage and managed care products. Mr. Weidner began his career with Allstate Insurance Company in Chicago before moving to CNA Insurance to handle home office and field management positions in corporate property claims, human resources, and regional general management.
Mr. Weidner has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). He received his psychology degree from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and he is an alumnus of the Stanford Executive Program. In his leisure time, Mr. Weidner enjoys golf and working with the Insurance Council for City of Hope in its fundraising. California Governor Gray Davis appointed Weidner to the Commission of the Californias in 2001. Mr. Weidner is also a member of the board of directors for the Downtown Ketchum YMCA, board of directors for the Physician Insurers Association of America, and is the former chair of the board of governors for the City Club on Bunker Hill.
The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc., and Mutual Protection Trust serve two complementary purposes: Equipping physicians with tools to meet the business challenges of medical practice and providing their professional medical liability coverage needs. CAP has grown every year since its inception in 1975 and now serves more than 10,000 physician members.