Merle McPherson, M.D., M.P.H., from HRSA's Maternal and Child
Health Bureau received the Presidential Rank of Distinguished
Executive at an April 26 awards banquet in Washington, D.C.,
sponsored by the Senior Executives Association.
The award recognizes senior federal executives who have provided
great service, fostered partnerships and community solutions
to achieve results, and strived continuously to work more
effectively and efficiently. This is the highest award a federal
senior executive can receive.
Dr. McPherson, director of MCHB's Division of Services for
Children with Special Health Needs, was recognized for her
work in establishing the "medical home" -- a collaboration
among primary care providers, specialists, special needs children
and their families to ensure access to culturally competent,
family-centered and comprehensive health care. Over the past
15 years, the medical home model has dramatically improved
systems of care for children with chronic illness and disabilities.
Dr. McPherson also led the effort to develop a comprehensive
and nationally accepted definition of children with special
health needs. She is currently collaborating with the National
Center for Health Statistics on the first national survey
to provide state data on special health needs children and
their families. Her office is leading a 10-year action plan
on improving services for special needs children to help them
live happy and productive lives.
Dr. McPherson received her medical degree from the University
of Saskatchewan, Canada, and a master’s degree in public health
from Johns Hopkins University. She is a fellow of the American
Academy of Preventive Medicine, an honorary fellow of the
American Academy of Pediatrics, and has served as director
of the Division of Services for Children with Special Health
Needs since 1987.
###
|