James A. Brink, MD, Radiologist-in-Chief at Massachusetts General Hospital released the following statement on March, 19, 2015:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Pari Pandharipande, MD, MPH as Director of the MGH Institute for Technology Assessment, succeeding G. Scott Gazelle, MD, MPH, PhD in this role.
Dr. Pandharipande is Assistant Professor of Radiology at HMS and is a nationally recognized expert in health outcomes research and imaging. She has been part of the ITA since 2004, and joined the clinical faculty of the MGH Abdominal Imaging Division in 2006.
She carries a strong track record of extramurally-funded research centered in the evaluation of imaging technologies. Chin Hur, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist and health services researcher at MGH, will assume the role of Associate Director, underscoring the collaborative approach that has defined the ITA’s success over the years. Dr. Hur is Associate Professor of Medicine at HMS and has been a part of the ITA since 2000. He leads the CISNET esophageal modeling group and is a health outcomes researcher.
The Institute for Technology Assessment – originally known as the Data Analysis and Technology Assessment (DATA) group – was established by Dr. Gazelle in 1997 with a mission to conduct health outcomes research that could guide the development and utilization of medical technologies. The Institute’s overall goal is to improve the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of healthcare. Since its establishment, under the vision and leadership of Dr. Gazelle, the ITA has grown to become a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded center of excellence in technology assessment and health outcomes research.
Dr. Gazelle will remain at the ITA as Director Emeritus. In that role, he will continue to participate in ongoing research projects and to mentor junior faculty members. He will also remain as Director of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Program in Cancer Outcomes Research Training (PCORT), which he established in 2002.