Appointment made to Health Information Technology Commission

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed Dr. Orest Sowirka, of Sterling Heights, to the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission.

The 13-member commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Community Health. It facilitates and promotes the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of Michigan's health care information infrastructure.   

"Dr. Sowirka brings an extensive health care background and experience to this commission," said Snyder. "I am confident that his work will enhance health care information technology in our state."

Sowirka is a hospice physician and member of the geriatric medicine division at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He also serves as long-term care medical director and attending physician at Lourdes Nursing Home in Waterford. Sowirka previously held a number of leadership positions in geriatric medicine practice, including medical director for acute care within the elderly unit at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Warren, long-term care medical director and attending physician at Presbyterian Village of East Harbor in Chesterfield Township and attending physician for Abbey Nursing and Living Center in Warren. He holds a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and chemistry from Wayne State University and a degree in osteopathic medicine from Michigan State University.

Sowirka will represent doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery. He replaces Robert Scott. He will serve a four-year term that expires August 3, 2015, and his appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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