Dr. Lee Newcomer, a nationally recognized health care policy expert and former Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare, has signed with Creative Management Partners (CMP) agent Alan Morell for representation of his upcoming book, "UNMASKED: What I learned About Love, Failure and Reform From Both Sides of the Hospital Bed." The announcement, made July 30, 2026, marks a significant step in bringing Newcomer's insights to a broader audience through speaking engagements, media interviews, and satellite media book tours.
Newcomer, a medical oncologist with decades of experience spanning clinical medicine, health care delivery, insurance, and innovative payment models, brings a rare dual perspective as both a physician and a patient. His book promises to explore the miracles and shortcomings of medicine, offering readers an inside look at the health care system from someone who has navigated it from both sides. The partnership with CMP and senior advisor Jennifer S. Wilkov of Your Book Is Your Hook aims to position the book as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about health care reform.
"I'm looking forward to working together with Alan and Jennifer to bring this book to the public," Newcomer said in a statement. "I feel strongly about my Authorship of 'UNMASKED' because it offers readers insights into the miracles and accomplishments of medicine and its shortcomings as well through the eyes of a doctor who is also a patient."
The importance of this announcement lies in Newcomer's unique credibility. As a former C-level executive at a Fortune 50 health insurance company, a physician, and a patient, he offers an authoritative voice on the policies shaping the cost, quality, and future of American health care. His experience as a board director for precision medicine companies in genomics and pharmaceuticals further underscores his expertise. The book arrives at a time when health care costs and quality are pressing issues for every household, making Newcomer's perspective particularly relevant.
Jennifer S. Wilkov, who facilitated the partnership, noted the potential impact: "I believe 'UNMASKED' has the potential to reach a wide audience and spark meaningful conversations about health care and how we can make it better for everyone." Alan Morell, who has managed over 3,700 campaigns in his 40-year career, described the book as a "MUST READ for every household," highlighting its exploration of medical proficiency and failures.
Newcomer's work has been featured in various health care publications, including Health Affairs and The American Journal of Managed Care. His insights on precision oncology and prior authorization have been highlighted by outlets such as Trapelo Health and Managed Healthcare Executive. The book's release is anticipated to drive discussions on how to reform a system that often falls short of patient needs.
For the book publishing industry, this signing signals a continued interest in health care narratives from authoritative voices. Newcomer's platform as a former UnitedHealthcare executive and practicing physician can attract a wide readership, including policy makers, patients, and medical professionals. The partnership with CMP, known for managing high-profile talent and intellectual property, further underscores the commercial potential of the project.
As the health care landscape evolves, Newcomer's "UNMASKED" offers a timely examination of the system's successes and failures, with the potential to inform public discourse and influence reform. The collaboration with Wilkov and Morell positions the book for maximum exposure across media and speaking circuits, ensuring that Newcomer's message reaches those who can drive change.
