E. Andrew Balas, MD, PhD

Dr. Balas received a masters degree in applied mathematics from Eotvos University of Sciences in Budapest, his M.D. degree from Semmelweis University of Medicine also in Budapest, and a Ph.D. in Medical Informatics from the University of Utah. At the time of election to the College he was an associate professor of Health Management and Informatics at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Dr. Balasí research interests are in the development and assessment of methods by which information affects health care decision making and health outcomes. He founded the Columbia Registry of Information Management Trials, a collection of high quality randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrating how information contributes to quality improvement and cost control. He designed innovative systems for chronic disease management and an expert system for clinical practice guideline implementation. He also explored new ways to facilitate the evaluation of the impact that computer systems have on clinical care and outcomes. Dr. Balas was at the time of his election a Congressional Health Policy Fellow, and in this capacity worked for the Public Health Subcommittee of the United States Senate. He was also chair of the AMIA awards committee. His election to the College recognizes these scholarly and public service activities.