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Kannampallil named inaugural director of acute care innovation research

Following an extensive search, we are excited to announce Thomas Kannampallil, PhD, FAMIA, has been named the inaugural director of acute care innovation research for the Department of Anesthesiology, effective immediately.

Kannampallil earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication from the University of Illinois.

Kannampallil currently serves as associate professor of Anesthesiology, faculty for the Institute for Informatics (I2), and associate chief research information officer for the School of Medicine.

As the associate chief research information officer, Kannampallil has extensive knowledge and certification in a variety of applications within the Epic EHR, including data models (Clarity, Chronicles), the new Cognitive Compute platform (for implementing ML models), clinical decision support tools, and advanced SMART/FHIR applications.

Kannampallil’s research focuses on the use of innovative clinical decision support tools for improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. In addition to his three active R01s that focus on the use of advanced clinical informatics tools, he also plays a central role in several institutional projects and has published extensively in informatics and clinical medicine journals.

In his role as director, Kannampallil will plan, direct, and coordinate research activities related to technology, telemedicine, and innovation within the department. He will also provide population, organizational, and patient-level data, analysis and decision support to advance innovative and technology-related initiatives for the department. He will collaborate with Epic1 team, WUIT, and clinical asset management to assist in developing effective and efficient workflows for providing patient care and advancing innovation.  His unique combination of skills, knowledge, and exposure to data science, EHR platforms, and software development, will prove useful for this leadership role.

“We are very fortunate to have attracted a scientist of Dr. Kannampallil’s caliber as the inaugural Director of Acute Care Innovation Research for the Department of Anesthesiology,” says Michael Avidan, MBBCh, FCA SA, head of the Department of Anesthesiology. “He will help to consolidate, integrate, and advance our innovation research efforts in acute care and perioperative medicine.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kannampallil on his exciting new position within our department.

Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCASA
Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology
Head of the Department of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiologist-in-Chief, Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Omokhaye Higo, MD, MBA
Vice-Chair for Innovation