Professional Overview
Daniel J. Schlegel, MD, MHA is a seasoned medical professional currently serving at Penn State Health with a tenure exceeding 19 years (since 2006). His primary roles within the organization include Medical Director (since 2022) of Virtual Primary Care and Family Physician, illustrating both clinical and administrative leadership expertise. As Medical Director, Dr. Schlegel oversees COMMpanion, a membership-based virtual primary care service designed to deliver coordinated, relationship-based care that integrates the extensive resources of Penn State Health, contributing to significant reductions in employer healthcare expenditures by up to 25%.
Based in Lancaster and Middletown, Pennsylvania, he is deeply involved in clinical practice, healthcare administration, and medical education within the health network.
Education & Certifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia (1999–2003)
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Penn State Harrisburg (2007–2012), with a focus on Health/Health Care Administration/Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA (1995–1999)
- Residency: Family Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital-Penn Medicine (Completed 2006)
Certifications:
- Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine (Credential ID: 95774907; issued Feb 2024)
- Board Certified in Clinical Informatics via the American Board of Preventive Medicine (issued Jan 2023)
Professional Experience & Responsibilities
- Medical Director, Penn State Health Virtual Primary Care (2022–Present): Leads the virtual primary care program COMMpanion, focusing on delivering superior patient care and innovative care models that reduce employer healthcare costs.
- Family Physician, Penn State Health (2006–Present): Provides comprehensive healthcare services for adults and children with chronic and acute illnesses or injuries.
- Academic Role: Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, with active involvement in teaching medical students and resident physicians since 2006. Recognized for multiple teaching awards from both residents and students.
Clinical and Academic Interests
- Graduate Medical Education
- Health System Administration
- Organizational Communication
- Telemedicine and Virtual Care Integration
- Patient-Centered Medical Home Models
Recognition and Awards
- Best Doctors in America (peer-selected, 2013, 2014)
- Chairman’s Achievement Award, Department of Family and Community Medicine
- Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians
- Faculty Teaching Award, Penn State Family Medicine Residency Program
- Hershey Hero Award (Patient-recognized for clinical care excellence)
- Exceptional Role Model and Exceptional Teacher, Department of Family and Community Medicine
- Dean’s List: Extraordinary Patient Satisfaction — Scoring at or above the 99th percentile nationally
- Program Director Recognition Award, Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors
- Measey Scholarship in International Geriatrics (University of Edinburgh, 2002)
- Selected for Physician 40 Under 40 by Pennsylvania Medical Society Board of Trustees
Communication and Thought Leadership
Dr. Schlegel frequently engages in healthcare industry forums and summits, including as a panelist at the PA Chamber of Business and Industry’s Annual Healthcare Summit, where he highlighted the value proposition of Penn State Health’s virtual care initiatives. His professional LinkedIn activity emphasizes transformation in healthcare delivery, telemedicine, and patient relationship management.
Patient Care and Practice Details
Dr. Schlegel operates at the Penn State Health Medical Group - Middletown location (3100 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown, PA 17057). The practice offers a full spectrum of family medicine services including management of chronic and acute illnesses and injuries for both adults and children. The practice accepts a broad range of health insurance plans and is noted for outstanding patient satisfaction.
The practice has been rated with a 4.8 out of 5 average from 285+ patient reviews, underscoring Dr. Schlegel’s strong clinical reputation and patient trust.
Research and Publications
Dr. Schlegel has contributed to medical research particularly in stroke care and hospital disposition outcomes, with cited work on the Utility of the NIH Stroke Scale as a Predictor of Hospital Disposition, and other studies related to thrombolysis outcomes for acute ischemic stroke. He also contributed to educational innovations for residency interviews and medical student education.
Additional Relevant Information
- Dr. Schlegel holds leadership and faculty roles supporting graduate medical education and residency program development.
- He completed a fellowship at the National Institute for Program Director Development (2014-2015).
- Has ongoing interests in telemedicine and virtual health platforms, aligning with Penn State Health’s strategic expansion in these areas.
- Actively maintains a professional profile that integrates administrative, clinical, and academic expertise, facilitating multifaceted healthcare leadership.
Contacts and Access:
- Office Phone: 717-948-5180
- Referral Phone: 800-243-1455
- Penn State Health Profile: [https://www.pennstatehealth.org/doctors/daniel-j-schlegel-md-mha](https://www.pennstatehealth.org/doctors/daniel-j-schlegel-md-mha)
- LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schlegel-730a66256](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schlegel-730a66256)
Dr. Daniel Schlegel’s combined experience in clinical family medicine, virtual health program direction, healthcare administration, and medical education positions him as a key influencer within Penn State Health’s expanding telehealth services and healthcare delivery innovation efforts. Understanding his leadership in COMMpanion and focus on reducing healthcare expenditures through coordinated virtual care presents actionable insights into strategic partnerships and programmatic alignment opportunities within Penn State Health.
