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Fernando Wilson, Ph.D. | Wehbi Nizar, M.D. |
Dr. Wilson, an associate professor, health services research & administration and director of the graduate program, is now acting director of the center, while Dr. Wehbi, an assistant professor, health services research & administration, is the deputy acting director. They replace Jim Stimpson, Ph.D., former director of the center.
The appointments, which were effective Jan. 1, were announced by Li-Wu Chen, Ph.D., professor and chair of health services research & administration, and director, Center for Health Policy Analysis and Rural Health Research. They kick off a year that will see some changes in the center.
“These two will lead the center through a year-long restructuring process and maintain a strong commitment to performing high quality and impactful health policy research,” Dr. Chen said.
Drs. Wilson and Wehbi are charged with expanding the focus of the center to keep pace with the dynamic changes occurring in the health care system within Nebraska and the nation.
This will include a proposal to change the name of the center to the Center for Health Policy and Health System Transformation with a new vision to integrate health care and public health to improve population health and drive best policies and practices to make Nebraska the healthiest state in the nation, Dr. Wilson said.
The proposed restructuring is intended to enhance the visibility of the College of Public Health and UNMC and increase opportunities for regional and national recognition and funding, said Ali S. Khan, M.D., M.P.H., dean of the college.
“I am excited about the dynamic and innovative two new leaders of this center. Their efforts will be crucial to identify new and sustainable models for health that are focused on prevention of disease and disability. And, ultimately in our efforts to lead the way to become the healthiest state in the union,” he said.
Drs. Wilson and Wehbi are working toward approval of a restructuring of the center to better meet the future needs of the college, UNMC and the state of Nebraska. In addition, the center will continue to maintain its strong commitment to performing high quality and impactful health policy research.
Their proposed changes will be brought before the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents for approval in 2017.