Arizona school, health group chosen for precision medicine initiative
The National Institutes of Health in July awarded the University of Arizona Health Sciences and Banner Health a $4 million grant to be a part of the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program seeks to enroll a diverse group of over 1 million Americans and hone in on factors such as genetics and lifestyle in tailoring treatments for diseases such as cancer. Part of the work of the university and Banner Health will be focused on getting American Indians and Alaska Natives and Hispanic participants enrolled.
Brennan named National Library of Medicine director
Patricia Flatley Brennan, PhD, RN, in May was named director of the National Library of Medicine. Brennan, who began her new role in August, previously served as Lillian L. Moehlman Bascom professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Nursing and College of Engineering.
Collins named director of Pennsylvania medical marijuana office
John Collins, MBA, in August was appointed director of the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana. Collins previously served as public health program assistant administrator within the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of HIV/AIDS.
Everett named SAMHSA chief medical officer
Anna Everett, MD, in August was named chief medical officer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Everett, who began her new role in September, previously served as the division director of the Johns Hopkins Community and General Psychiatry at its Bayview campus.
Gordon named director of NIMH
Joshua Gordon, MD, PhD, in July was selected as the new director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Gordon, who was scheduled to begin his position in September, previously served as an associate professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center and as a research psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Harris named chair of American Medical Association board of trustees
Patrice Harris, MD, MA, in June was named the new chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees. Harris is the first black woman to be named chair of the board of trustees. She has a private practice in Atlanta and previously served as director of health services for Fulton County, Georgia, as well as medical director for the Fulton County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Kundu named associate dean for admissions at Chicago school
Roopal Kundu, MD, GME, in June was named associate dean for admissions at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Kundu, who began her position in September, previously served as a New York University faculty member and as a program director of Feinberg’s dermatology residency program.
Naylor receives distinguished investigator award
Mary Naylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, in June received the 2016 AcademyHealth Distinguished Investigator Award. Naylor received the award for her work surrounding the transitional care model, a model of care to improve the health of chronically ill older adults that she has researched in practice across different health care systems nationwide. Naylor is the director of the New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing’s Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences.
Seemeyer appointed secretary of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Linda Seemeyer in August was appointed as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Previously, Seemeyer served as director of the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services from 2007 to 2015.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association