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— Jack M. Dutzar, M.D., to lead the largest multi-specialty group practice in central Massachusetts —

WORCESTER, Mass., March 7, 2008 — Fallon Clinic, the largest multi-specialty group practice in central Massachusetts, announces the appointment of a new president and chief executive officer (CEO), Jack M. Dutzar, M.D., FAAFP. Dr. Dutzar, a family medicine physician with extensive executive experience, will take the helm of the Clinic on March 17, 2008. Stephen Pezzella, M.D., who has been the practice’s acting president and CEO since 2006, will continue to serve as chairman of Fallon Clinic’s Board of Trustees, as well as chair of medical specialties.

“Dr. Dutzar brings a wealth of experience in health care and executive management to Fallon Clinic,” said Dr. Pezzella. “His impressive leadership experience, coupled with his expertise as a physician, makes him the ideal person to take on business challenges while ensuring that patient care is paramount. With Dr. Dutzar on our team, Fallon Clinic is well positioned to pursue new opportunities that will enhance patient care and the delivery of high-quality medical services.”

According to Dr. Dutzar, Fallon Clinic’s dedication to its patients was the primary driver behind his decision to take the position.  “Fallon Clinic is an organization with a rich history of providing excellent care.  The positive reputation Fallon Clinic enjoys in the communities it serves is a testament to its primary concern for patients and their healthcare needs,” says Dr. Dutzar.  “I am very enthusiastic about joining the Fallon Clinic team, and helping it to continue on in its tradition of innovative, patient-centered care.”

Dr. Dutzar, who is certified by the American Board of Family Practice, hails from the Seattle area, where he was executive medical director of the Group Health Cooperative, the largest consumer-governed healthcare organization in the United States and one of the largest providers of medical care in Washington state. There, he co-led one of two operating divisions that provided medical services to 180,000 members and managed an organization-wide pharmacy. In addition to spearheading all clinical aspects of health plan activities, he was directly accountable for the design of the care delivery system, major contract negotiation and management of a $900 million budget.

During his nine-year tenure at Group Health Cooperative, Dr. Dutzar was integrally involved in strategic and business planning, medical group management, quality performance and initiatives promoting clinical effectiveness. He demonstrated innovation both in budgeting efficiencies and in the design of key strategies for disease management.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Dutzar served for nearly 10 years as vice president of medical affairs for Group Health Northwest, where he also practiced family medicine. In addition, he started and led Mojave Desert Health Services, a federally sponsored health service organization for Native Americans in the desert community of Needles, California. There, he was involved in bringing new technology and clinical processes to hospital staff. 

During his career, Dr. Dutzar has been a member of several boards, including the Liability Reform Coalition, the Alliance of Community Health Plans and Group Health Permanente. In 1994, he served as a member of the National Health Policy Council at the White House.

Dr. Dutzar received his B.A. degree in biology and chemistry from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, and his M.D. degree from the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, in Denver. He completed his family practice residency at Tacoma Family Medicine, a University of Washington affiliated program in Tacoma, WA, where he was chief resident. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice and the American College of Physician Executives.

Dr. Dutzar will reside in North Grafton.

About Fallon Clinic
Fallon Clinic is the largest independent multi-specialty group practice in Central Massachusetts. Fallon Clinic physicians and health care professionals offer a comprehensive array of primary care and specialty services, supported with cutting-edge technologies and service-oriented processes. Founded in 1929 by a team of physicians from Mayo Clinic led by Dr. John Fallon, Fallon Clinic continues to grow and thrive. Based in Worcester, Fallon Clinic has over 1,700 employees and nearly 260 physicians who see more than a million patients a year at 26 locations. Fallon Clinic admits to all major hospitals in central Massachusetts and the surrounding area and accepts a broad range of insurance coverage, including plans from all major Massachusetts payers. More information about Fallon Clinic can be found by visiting www.fallonclinic.org.

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