admin| Date: May 29, 2013 | Media Contact: | Chuck Moran |
| Pennsylvania Medical Society | ||
| For Immediate Release | (717) 558-7820 |
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) today announced the appointment of Michael R. Fraser, PhD, CAE as executive vice president, effective August 19, 2013. Fraser succeeds Denise E. Zimmerman, who will retire from the position at the end of August, after working for the Society for more than 35 years.
Fraser comes to PAMED from the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP), a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, where he served as chief executive officer since 2007. From 1999 to 2007, he worked for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, ending his career there as deputy executive director and senior advisor. Prior to that, he worked for the US Department of Health and Human Services and for Aspen Systems, Inc. (Rockville, MD). Fraser brings a strong understanding of health care and public health systems, as well as association leadership, to the position.
“Mike’s passion for and experience in leading organizations through a transformational process is welcomed by the Medical Society, particularly as the practice of medicine and health care overall is undergoing significant change,” said John Pagan, MD, PAMED board chair and general surgeon from Sellersville, Bucks County. As our health care system evolves, more Pennsylvania physicians are affiliating or becoming employed by large groups or health systems, challenging the traditional medical society role as advocate for physicians and their patients.
“Mike brings a strong understanding of the changing dynamics associated with providing medical care and the new paradigm physicians are facing as health care delivery focuses more on quality outcomes and value for the patient. As PAMED’s executive vice president, he will be well-positioned to hit the ground running as these changes occur.”
Fraser holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a master of sociology degree (also from Amherst), and a bachelor of arts in sociology (highest honors) from Oberlin College in Ohio. He also holds a certified association executive designation with the American Society of Association Executives. Fraser currently resides in Cheverly, Maryland but is planning to relocate to the Harrisburg area.
“Coming to Pennsylvania to work with one of its largest and most reputable organizations, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, is truly an honor for me,” Fraser said. “The opportunity to make a difference for Pennsylvania physicians and their patients is one that I take seriously and look forward to with energy and enthusiasm.”
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The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. Today, the physician members continue to focus on better health for all Pennsylvanians. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit the website at www.pamedsoc.org