The Department of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has named pediatricians Vikas Dharnidharka, MD, and Margaret Lozovatsky, MD, to the newly created roles of vice chair of clinical investigation and vice chair of clinical informatics. The positions aim to advance and integrate technology and research programs across the department and the Medical Campus.

Dharnidharka, a professor of pediatrics specializing in kidney health, has been named vice chair of clinical investigation. His top priority is to advance and integrate clinical and translational research programs across the department, the medical school and involving the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences. Dharnidharka is director of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hypertension, and Pheresis and co-medical director of the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where he treats patients. Additionally, his clinical and translational research projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Lozovatsky, an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Hospitalist Medicine, has been named vice chair of clinical informatics. Her aim is to promote the use of technology by medical professionals to improve patient experiences and health outcomes. Lozovatsky serves as the chief medical information officer of child health for BJC HealthCare and the School of Medicine. Additionally, as co-director of the clinical informatics fellowship, Lozovatsky helps develop informatics curriculum for medical students and trainees.

“Drs. Dharnidharka and Lozovatsky, both nationally recognized in their respective fields, have demonstrated the highest level of professional expertise as well as outstanding leadership skills,” said Gary A. Silverman, MD, PhD, the Harriet B. Spoehrer Professor and head of the Department of Pediatrics. “We will all benefit greatly from their contributions.”

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