Earlier today, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Director Andrew Bindman, M.D., announced that he would be leaving his post later this month – a role in which he has served since May 2016. His final day in the office will be next Friday, January 13th.
Despite a short tenure at the agency, Director Bindman made tremendous strides not only in promoting the value of AHRQ, but also in showcasing the indispensable role of health services research in the federal research enterprise. He sharpened AHRQ’s message with policymakers, took great steps toward AHRQ supporting a true learning health care system, and continued to examine ways to most effectively translate research into policy and practice.
Even beyond his time at AHRQ, Director Bindman has been a longtime and passionate friend to AcademyHealth and our mission to support the production and use of evidence to inform policy and practice as well as an established leader in health services and policy research.
“I am so pleased that our country has had the opportunity – albeit brief – to benefit from Andy’s leadership and passion at the helm of this critical health research agency,” said AcademyHealth President and CEO Dr. Lisa Simpson. “He is someone who has long been admired and respected in our field, and I’ve truly enjoyed witnessing AHRQ flourish under his guidance. We’ll miss Director Bindman greatly, but know that our work will continue on with him, as it always has.”
In his email to AHRQ staff, Director Bindman shared what a privilege it was to serve and said, “I very much hope we will continue to work for health care improvement together in the days ahead.”
Given his passion for health services and policy research, we know Director Bindman will do just that; we know his work is not yet finished. AcademyHealth is eager to continue our valued partnerships with AHRQ and its staff, as well as with Director Bindman as he enters the next phase of his career. We extend him our eternal thanks for all he’s done and our sincerest well wishes for all we know he’ll continue to do.
From all of us, thank you, Director Bindman.