AHCPR Names New Director for Outcomes Research Program

Media Advisory Date: March 3, 1997

Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., has been appointed as the new Director of the Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research (COER) at the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Dr. Clancy, a clinical researcher and practicing internist, has been with AHCPR since 1990 and has served as Acting Director of COER since the departure of Richard Green, M.D., in March, 1996.

Dr. Clancy has held a number of senior positions during her tenure at AHCPR. Most recently, she served as Director of the Center for Primary Care Research. She will remain as acting director of that Center, while a national search is conducted for her replacement. She currently chairs the Research Committee of the Society of General Internal Medicine.

"Dr. Clancy brings a wealth of knowledge to COER. Her experience as a health services researcher, practicing physician, and medical educator will complement the mission of this very important center," said Lisa A. Simpson, M.B., B.Ch., AHCPR acting administrator.

Under Dr. Clancy's direction, COER will place a special emphasis on filling vital gaps in knowledge about the effectiveness of treatments for prevalent, costly conditions, and continue to enhance the application of patient-reported outcomes measures. COER projects also will pursue research to inform the effective use of pharmaceutical interventions and work toward the development of tools to help patients make informed treatment decisions.

For additional information, contact AHCPR Public Affairs: Karen Carp, (301) 427-1858, KCarp@ahrq.gov; Salina Prasad, (301) 427-1864, SPrasad@ahrq.gov.