Vartian named CMIO of HCA division

Dr. Carl Vartian was named chief medical information officer of HCA's Gulf Coast Division, a Houston-based health network. His appointment became effective Jan. 13.

As one of four CMIOs across the company, Vartian, 56, is involved in clinical IT initiatives, serving as a bridge between the group's physicians and its technology.

“It's my desire to draw from my experience to help further the advancement of practice initiatives and strategic goals for informatics, quality and infection control,” Vartian said in a release.

Vartian, an infectious disease doctor, has spent 24 years in private practice in Houston. Since 2008, he has functioned as VP of medical affairs for the West Houston Medical Center and Bayshore Medical Center. As HCA Gulf Coast Division's new CMIO, he will no longer act as VP of medical affairs but will continue responsibilities as chief medical officer at Bayshore.

“(Vartian) is an accomplished physician who we expect will make an immediate contribution to our pursuit of delivering quality healthcare,” Dr. Angela Shippy, HCA Gulf Coast Division CMO, said in the release.

HCA Gulf Coast Division is made up of 10 hospitals, nine ambulatory surgery centers, seven diagnostic imaging facilities, seven off-campus emergency centers, a hospital-based express care center, and a regional transfer center for affiliated hospitals. The system serves residents of the greater Houston and south Texas region.