News :: Institute for Health Policy

MIHP faculty members are delighted that David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, founding director of the Institute, has returned to the Massachusetts General Hospital following two years in Washington, DC, as the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology for the Obama administration. In this role, Dr. Blumenthal forged policies that will guide the development and dissemination of electronic health records (EHRs) for decades to come. In particular, he led the initiative that set standards for meaningful use of EHRs, which in turn determine the content and functionality of these records. In a February 3, 2011 memo, after he announced his plans to resign, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius praised his contributions: “David will leave his post having built a strong foundation, created real momentum for (health information technology) adoption, charted a course for the meaningful use of (electronic health records) and launched a new phase of cooperative and supportive work with the health care community, states, and cities across the nation."

Although David will occupy an office within MIHP, his future plans are still evolving. “I want to take advantage of what I learned in Washington to make a contribution here at Partners. That will likely involve a combination of roles: academic and non-academic. I also want to share some of what I learned about health information technology and health policy with a larger audience. That will likely involve some writing and speaking. But I look forward to resuming collaborations with all my friends here at MIHP, MGH and Partners.”

“We are delighted to have David back in our midst,” said MIHP director Lisa Iezzoni. “He has now ‘talked the talk, and walked the walk’ in a major health policy role, and we expect to learn much from David that will inform our work. His service to the country – and personal sacrifices to perform that service – set a tremendous example for us to follow.”