Lunch with a VIP - Eric Zeier, CEO, Team Doctors
January 1, 2008
As the star quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs in the mid-'90s, Eric Zeier often was forced to
analyze – and audiblize – to best determine holes in the opposing team's defense. Today, although
slowed physically from recent knee surgery, the fourth all-time leading passer in the SEC still has
the ability to realize opportunity – this time, not on the gridiron, but in the equally challenging
world of health care.
In May, Zeier was brought on as CEO of Team Doctors, a health care service that provides
access to a national network of medical professionals affiliated with professional sports teams on
a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis. Members of the Team Doctors health care plans pay an initiation
fee and annual dues, and in return, are granted immediate access to some of the nation's most
distinguished physicians to each of the doctor's own professional networks.
After playing five seasons in the NFL, Zeier and his family were privy to the once informal
network of doctors because of his pro athlete status. "I have lived this and understand the
benefits of the network," he says. "I truly understand the difference it can make. It's a better
understanding of what we're offering and how to share the product with people."
Launched in September, the original concept behind Zeier's company was built around
developing a service catering to the traveling executive, a plan in addition to the typical health
care insurance policy that was available if a member was out of town and became ill. "As people
travel, they're wanting a heightened level of service," he says. "The backbone of Team Doctors is
accessibility. Regardless of where our members are in the country, we provide you with instant
access to the very best in health care."
He notes non-members who get sick when they're out of town often are forced to go to an
emergency room because they don't know where else to turn. "Four hours is the average wait time in
an emergency room," he says. The Team Doctors model has quickly morphed into a health care savior
for many busy Atlanta area executives, who use the plan to bypass the time-consuming task of
waiting in a doctor's office. "When time is money, literally, for professionals like attorneys or
accountants who bill by the hour, what does four hours in a doctor's office cost?" he asks. Zeier
says through Team Doctors, a member will get bumped to the front of the wait line, often with only
a 20-minute maximum wait.
Zeier, who also announces UGA away football games during fall weekends, is excited about the
new company's potential. Team Doctors already has 70 members and 28 doctors nationwide, and he's in
negotiations with several large companies to establish corporate memberships. The industry "is in
the early stages of a fee-for-service type of health care," he says. "In some aspects, Team Doctors
is definitely ahead of the game."
– Drew Ermenc
Shillings on the Square
About the restaurant
There are few places in metro Atlanta that can offer the history and ambiance of Shillings on
the Square, which actually is two restaurants in one. The Streetside Grill, located on the
restaurant's main floor, has a casual, pub-like atmosphere. Top of the Square, located upstairs
overlooking the historic Marietta Square, is a casually elegant candlelit dining room.
Shillings on the Square
19 N. Park Square NE
Marietta, GA 30060
770-428-9520
www.shillingsonthesquare.com