Higginbotham Appoints Dr. Samuel Ritter as New Medical Director for Employee Benefits

Higginbotham Welcomes Dr. Samuel Ritter as Medical Director for Employee Benefits

Higginbotham, an employee-owned firm specializing in insurance, financial services, and employee benefits, has made a significant addition to its team by appointing Dr. Samuel Isaac Ritter, M.D., as its new medical director for employee benefits. Based in Dallas, Dr. Ritter will bring valuable clinical insights to the firm's offerings, particularly for self-funded health plans, which are gaining traction among employers seeking alternatives to traditional insurance arrangements.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the employee benefits landscape, with a growing number of employers opting for self-funded health plans. These plans allow companies to take on the financial responsibility of their employees’ health claims while partnering with insurance providers for plan administration and access to healthcare networks. Recognizing this shift, Higginbotham aims to equip its clients with a clinical perspective on healthcare pathways, emphasizing outcomes rather than just the costs associated with different plans.

Rusty Reid, chairman and CEO of Higginbotham, stated, "As more employers move into self-funded arrangements, we have found that the conversation changes from shopping plans to managing outcomes." With Dr. Ritter's experience as a practicing physician, the firm believes it can provide clients with grounded decision-making support that is rooted in clinical evidence. Dr. Ritter's role as a client-facing clinical resource is particularly significant, as he will assist self-funded teams in navigating the complexities of population health, emerging medical treatments, and evolving care standards.

Catering to the unique needs of employers, Dr. Ritter will travel extensively across Higginbotham's service areas, engaging with clients to better understand their challenges and requirements. His diverse background as an attending emergency physician and consultant at top health systems, including McKinsey & Company and Elysium, equips him well for this crucial role. Dr. Ritter expressed his commitment to transforming the healthcare experience, stating, "Healthcare is opaque, costs are inflating and it's unclear which interventions drive value. My focus is to help employers take better care of the people they cover using evidence-based recommendations."

Dr. Ritter holds a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University, a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida College of Medicine, and a master's in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His extensive training includes an emergency medicine residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and he is board-certified in emergency medicine. Notably, he was recognized as Physician of the Year in 2019 at Baylor University Medical Center, a testament to his dedication and skill in the field.

Higginbotham's decision to recruit Dr. Ritter demonstrates its commitment to enhancing its medical advisory services. Carter English, Chief Business Officer for Employee Benefits, emphasized the unique blend of Dr. Ritter's expertise: "Sam's a unicorn - an ER physician with consulting and startup experience. His capability to assess complicated situations quickly and communicate clearly will greatly enhance our ability to support clients."

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has established itself as a leader in the insurance and employee benefits space, ranking as the 18th largest independent insurance brokerage in the U.S. in 2025. The firm prides itself on delivering customized solutions backed by its Day Two Services®, ensuring proactive guidance and support for all clients. Driven by a values-oriented culture, Higginbotham is committed to its employees, clients, and the communities in which it operates.

For more information about Higginbotham's employee benefits services and Dr. Ritter's appointment, visit higginbotham.com.