CHICAGO, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A leading expert on the use of population health data to shape public health policy, Michael Davern, will join the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago on November 23, 2009 as vice president and director of the Public Health Research Department.

"Mike Davern is highly regarded for his expertise in survey methods, data quality, and analysis of public health data," said Dan Gaylin, NORC's executive vice president for Research Programs. "He is a wonderful addition to the NORC team."

With a distinguished career in public health research, Davern was most recently at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where he was an assistant professor of Health Policy and Management and research director of the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC). He also co-directed the U.S. Census Bureau Research Data Center at the University. Davern previously served as a statistician for the Labor Force and Transfer Programs Statistics Branch of the U.S. Census Bureau.

"I am thrilled to be leading the public health research department at NORC," said Davern. "Its combination of outstanding survey methodologists and public health analysts are known throughout the research community for producing high quality data products, reports and analysis. I am looking forward to working with this outstanding team to address our nation's most important public health issues. "

Davern has built strong working relationships with producers of population-based health data at the national level, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Center for Health Statistics. A major focus of his work has involved applying state-level data to health policy issues and helping states monitor trends in health insurance coverage rates. Davern has published 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he serves as a reviewer for several journals.

Davern holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree in sociology from Colorado State University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Saint John's University (MN).

He will be based in NORC's Chicago, Il., office.

NORC's health research portfolio includes national and local surveys, policy and program analysis, and new initiatives such as the adoption of Health Information Technology (HIT). Health-related work is conducted in several departments and on such diverse topics as:

• U.S. health care policy, including Medicare and Medicaid.
• Health disparities among special populations.
• Public health issues.
• Environmental hazards and workplace toxins.
  

About NORC

NORC, known since its founding in 1941 as the National Opinion Research Center, pursues objective research that serves the public interest. NORC has offices on the University of Chicago campus, in Chicago's downtown Loop and in Bethesda, Md., as well as a field staff that operates nationwide. NORC's clients include government agencies, educational institutions, foundations, other nonprofit organizations and private corporations. To learn more, visit our Web site at www.norc.org.

SOURCE NORC at the University of Chicago

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