Chief Executive Officer
Honest Health
Robert Bessler, M.D. is the Chief Executive Officer of Honest Health, a leading value-based care enablement organization. Honest partners closely with health systems, care networks, physicians, and payers to accelerate our partners’ transition to full risk arrangements successfully.
Dr. Bessler is widely regarded as an accomplished healthcare leader who is passionate about improving quality and lowering the cost of healthcare in communities nationwide. Prior to Honest, Dr. Bessler founded Sound Physicians in 2001, where he served as the Chairman and CEO for 22 years. He led the organization through rapid growth, from start-up to a $2 Billion in Revenue across 47 states and more than 450 client hospitals. Dr. Bessler currently serves as a board member for Honest, Mangrove Management Partners, Lifestance Health and Upstream Physical Therapy. He has served as an active board member and investor alongside Towerbrook Capital, Silversmith, Revelstoke Partners, Summit Partners and Newspring Capital. Prior companies include Liberty Health Partners, Accelecare, Dupage Medical Group (Duly Health) and Broadjump.
Dr. Bessler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Tufts University and received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. Dr. Bessler trained at the Cleveland Clinic and practiced as an Emergency Physician in both Cleveland and Seattle. He and his wife, Michele created the Bessler Center at MaryBridge Childrens in 2022 with a vision to have the healthiest children in the nation in their community by leading, convening and funding nonprofits that improve health outcomes for children.
Bridging the Gap: Turning Aligned Incentives into Action
Monday, March 2, 2026
2:00pm - 3:00pm CT