Michael Thomas has expertise in informatics, future technology, practice transformation, Six Sigma principles, and strategic planning. His deep grasp of information systems automation and AI advancements have been utilized to future proof organizations, allowing them to reach the technologically demanding, highly efficient environment that is needed for them to thrive. His expertise and leadership is sought across multiple disciplines including healthcare and logistics.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
Dr. Michael Thomas received his BA in Biology and Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University. As well as both his Master’s Degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and a PhD in Biomedical Science with concentration in Neuroscience from the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Thomas has many years of experience in neuroscience, systems administration, electronic health records, interoperability, and health information exchange. During his PhD work at UNM he discovered new evidence on how the neural patterns within the brain’s temporal lobe are filtered. He also developed an expertise in neural networks, statistical analysis, integrated computing, and neural modeling at this time.
As systems administrator for the Department of Public Health (DPH) in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Michael utilized this knowledge to run the health system’s IT department and write successful grants. These grants included a multimillion-dollar grant to support the Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, a grant to start the CNMI’s first federally qualified health center, and a grant to support the implementation of electronic health records at the hospital.
As the Director of Technology and Clinical Informatics at a large Federally Qualified Health Center in Central Oregon, Michael was the leader in informatics, telehealth, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring for ten years. In 2011 he led the implementation of Epic electronic health records (EHR) for Mosaic Medical. He designed and supported the appropriate utilization of shared electronic health records that contain medical health, oral health, mental health, pharmacy, and substance abuse information. In clinical informatics, he led Mosaic and community EHR efficiency initiatives for improved population health management, clinical team productivity, patient access and the lead up to adopting artificial intelligence (AI) within the system.
Many of these initiatives recognize the efficiencies gained through sharing information via health information exchanges including emergency room, social determinants of health, behavioral health information, and by adopting artificial intelligence to ease provider burden. He is also six sigma black belt certified and consistently earned the highest leader ratings from all of his teams.
Michael has been on the Central Oregon Health Information Exchange (COHIE) board since its inception in 2010. During this time, he was a strong advocate for the creation of a community health record. In 2017 he helped COHIE form a partnership with Reliance eHealth Collaborative to begin the process of housing, and the governance of community health records. He also worked closely with OCHIN to build single sign on capability to the Reliance community health record from within OCHIN/Epic.
Currently, Michael continues to work with community partners recognizing the value of a community health record. Incorporating that record into the EHR, population health metrics, and creating efficiencies in clinical workflows. His ongoing interests lie in the expanded role of AI and analytics to increase the quality of healthcare while decreasing end user burden.
Dr. Thomas is a dedicated tactical leader. Repeated success in coordinating health information systems and implementing technological solutions has consistently driven business growth and met organizational objectives. He skillfully evaluates systems for regulatory compliance and designs changes for efficient end-user experience. Michael has a solid history of policy development to ensure data integrity, security, and privacy in highly regulated environments. He was a leader in setting clinical informatics and governance structure for organizations. By managing cross-functional teams, he successfully built distinct advantages in care delivery efficiencies. His communication skills are excellent. He’s also adept in managing multidisciplinary healthcare support teams. Highly respected both locally and at the state level, he’s frequently sought after for strategic input regarding progress in healthcare informatics.
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