Indianapolis, Oct. 19, 2017 – Christopher M. Callahan, M.D., Cornelius and Yvonne Pettinga Professor of Medicine, IU School of Medicine, has been named chief research and development officer of Eskenazi Health.

As chief research and development officer, Dr. Callahan oversees the activities of the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation. In addition, he will be responsible for developing and maintaining a world-class research environment in support of Eskenazi Health’s vision, mission and values, advancing the system's ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based care and to prepare for the future. He will report directly to Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO of Eskenazi Health.

"Continued excellence in research affirms our commitment to high-value health care by demonstrating to our community that funds are spent efficiently on high-impact clinical programs," said Dr. Lisa Harris.

Dr. Harris said that as a highly-respected leader in clinical and translational research, Dr. Callahan often serves as a consultant to other health systems and universities, national organizations, and governmental agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Institute of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging.

Over the past three decades, Dr. Callahan has spent time developing, studying, and advancing new models of care designed to improve the health of older adults. His clinical practice at Eskenazi Health focuses on the care for older adults with depression and dementia through the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation. He has served on the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Board of Directors since 2004.

Dr. Callahan serves as a research scientist with the Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and is the founding director of the Indiana University Center for Aging Research at the Regenstrief Institute. Over the past 20 years, the IU Center for Aging Research has become the focal point for aging research at Indiana University, growing from three scientists with an annual budget under $1 million in 1997 to 10 scientists with an annual budget nearing $15 million in 2017.

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Dr. Callahan attended medical school at St. Louis University. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship in health services research at the Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine, joining the faculty in 1991.

###

For nearly 160 years, Eskenazi Health has provided high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care to the residents of Marion County and Central Indiana. Accredited by The Joint Commission, nationally recognized programs include a Level I trauma center, regional burn center, comprehensive senior care program, women’s and children’s services, teen and adolescent care programs, Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health, and a network of primary care sites located throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis known as Eskenazi Health Center. In partnership with the Regenstrief Institute, Eskenazi Health conducts groundbreaking work that informs health information technology around the globe. Eskenazi Health also serves as the sponsoring hospital for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services. As the public hospital division of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC), Eskenazi Health partners with the Indiana University School of Medicine whose physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services. In December 2013, Eskenazi Health moved to its new main campus and opened the brand new Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. The new modern and efficient facility is Central Indiana’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold health care campus and offers unique features like a one-of-a-kind sky farm and extensive art collection. The Eskenazi Health Foundation was the recipient of $40 million gift from Indianapolis couple Sidney and Lois Eskenazi to assist with building the brand new hospital facilities. HHC recognized this generous gift by naming the new hospital and health system in the Eskenazis’ honor.

CONTACT: Todd Harper
Phone: 317.880.4785
Cell: 317.402.9327
Pager: 317.310.5792
Email: todd.harper@eskenazihealth.edu