HEALTH CARE HEROES 2026 AWARDS
Career Achiever: Dr. Phil Rizzuto, Rizzuto Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery founder and owner
BETWEEN RUNNING a solo practice in oculoplastic surgery, lobbying in Washington, D.C., and being a professor of surgery at Brown University, Dr. Phil Rizzuto has spent his 30-year career balancing patient care, advocacy and teaching the next generation of caregivers.
While he operates Rizzuto Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery in Providence, he volunteers monthly at the Rhode Island Free Clinic offering eye care, in addition to serving as a fundraiser and board member.
On behalf of the Academy of Ophthalmology, Rizzuto travels annually to the nation’s capital to lobby politicians for better funding and other related legislation that affects health care in the Ocean State. He often takes medical students and residents, providing them a broad experience in the politics of health care.
What led you to choose health care as a profession? When I was a kid, I admired the physicians in our community who carried themselves with such dignity, kept us all healthy and reassured our parents we were going to be OK. As I matured, I noted how rewarding a life in medicine could be, and I was lucky enough to find my current role.
How have you helped boost the quality of or access to health care? As a private practitioner and small-business person, I have focused my practice on providing consistent, reliable care and creating an environment where people can access the support and services they need without unnecessary barriers. I continually utilize programs that strengthen overall quality so people benefit from safe, coordinated timely health care.
What is the biggest challenge you and your organization are facing this year? In Rhode Island, where reimbursement levels remain among the lowest in New England, the primary challenge is balancing increased regulatory and payer-driven requirements with the administrative complexity they create. These pressures make it increasingly difficult for smaller, community-based practices that provide high-quality care and employ many local staff to remain sustainable. It also prevents new physicians from joining us here in the Ocean State.
What more do you feel the state can do to help further support the health care sector in Rhode Island? As reimbursement rates are usually tied to federal Medicare rates, the state can help by urging our federal delegation to address these poor reimbursement levels. Rhode Island is fortunate to have exceptional physicians, nurses and allied professionals who are deeply committed to their patients, and they deserve the support that reflects the value they bring to the state.
Are you confident patient access and quality of care will improve in Rhode Island over the next five years? Why or why not? Yes. I’m confident access and quality will continue to improve because Rhode Island’s health care workforce is exceptionally dedicated and that commitment doesn’t waiver. Their professionalism and focus on patient well-being give me real optimism about the direction of care over the next five years.
