New Regenstrief chief: Data provides solutions to health inequities

The incoming president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Regenstrief Institute says data plays a key role in developing solutions for health inequities across the U.S. Last month, the Indiana University School of Medicine announced it had selected Dr. Rachel Patzer to lead the world-renowned medical research organization. IUSM says Patzer has spent a career finding innovative ways to collect and utilize data for solving complex health challenges.

In the Business of Health segment, Patzer said one of the biggest challenges is accessing health care for all.

“I think access to healthcare is something that everyone really understands. There are challenges that we face, even for people without economic constraints,” said Patzer. “However, these problems related to access are magnified for minorities and individuals with lower income, and those who live in rural areas.”

Patzer says by using data and research expertise at Regenstrief, they can identify ways to address the challenges. Then, by working with stakeholders and community partners, health systems can improve inequities.

“So with partnerships, engaged communities and health systems and data, I think we can really go farther and focus on implementing what we know works across the health enterprise, to maximize better health for patients and populations,” Patzer said. “And this is an area that aligns really well with Regenstrief Institute’s mission, vision and values.”

Patzer is a nationally-recognized expert in epidemiology and health services research. She currently serves as director of the Health Services Research Center at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. In addition to be a tenured professor in the university’s Department of Surgery, Patzer is also the founder of the Health Services Research Center at Emory.

Patzer says Regenstrief’s mission attracted her to the position.

“We as a society invest in health care research with an expectation of the benefits we gain from it,” said Patzer. “I believe that we can leverage the impressive strengths of the Regenstrief Institute to attain even more value from these data and accelerate the translation of this research into practice to improve not only health care, but ultimately the health of patients and populations.”

Patzer succeeds Dr. Peter Embi, who left Regenstrief in late 2021. She is the first woman to lead the organization.

“I know that only about 13% of healthcare related CEOs are female, in a field where the majority, about 65%, of the healthcare workforce is female. I am and have always been a really strong champion of diversity. And I hope to continue mentoring women, minorities and others that are underrepresented in leadership positions, really to move towards equity,” said Patzer.

She begins May 1. Founded in 1969, Regenstrief has ties to IU School of Medicine, IU Health and Eskenazi Health.