ResourcesPress Release

Obama Appoints PHR Board Member Don Berwick to Head Medicare and Medicaid

For Immediate Release

Physicians form Human Rights (PHR) congratulates board member Don Berwick, MD, on his recent appointment as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Until his appointment, Dr. Berwick was President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a non-profit organization working for the improvement of healthcare around the world that he co-founded in 1991. Under his leadership, IHI has developed breakthrough techniques for dramatically improving healthcare.

Additionally, Dr. Berwick is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Healthcare Policy in the Department of Pediatrics at the Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard School of Public Health.

"Don Berwick's expertise, innovation and vision have helped keep PHR on the cutting edge of health and human rights research and advocacy. Those qualities will serve President Obama and the nation well as we work together to ensure that healthcare is accessible and equitable for all," said PHR CEO Frank Donaghue. "Whether he's developing new ways to improve patient care or helping PHR train medical leaders in Zimbabwe, Don recognizes that healthcare is a basic human right and not a privilege for a select few. While PHR will lose a valued member of our board the nation gains an immensely talented health care expert."

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.

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Kevin Short

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