Farzad Mostashari named new head of ONC

By Christine LaFave Grace on http://www.modernhealthcare.com/

Posted: April 8, 2011 - 11:30 am ET

Dr. Farzad Mostashari has been named to succeed Dr. David Blumenthal as head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at HHS.

Mostashari previously was deputy national coordinator for programs and policy at the ONC. He joined the ONC in July 2009, according to the ONC's website.

Blumenthal announced in February that he would step down from his post as national coordinator for health IT to return to Harvard University, where he had served as a healthcare researcher.

Before joining the ONC, Mostashari worked for the New York City Health and Mental Hygiene Department as assistant commissioner for the primary-care information project, according to the ONC's website. He also established the department's bureau of epidemiology services.

Watch Modern Healthcare reporter Joseph Conn's video interview with Mostashari from the 2011 HIMSS annual conference and exhibition here.

"Farzad's experience in promoting adoption and use of EHRs among providers, particularly in underserved areas, addresses a critical need," said Dr. Harry Greenspun, Dell's chief medical officer, who applauded Mostashari's appointment.

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