Dr. Anushree Vichare has been appointed interim director of the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at George Washington University, effective July 1.
Dr. Anushree Vichare, an accomplished Indian American researcher, has been named the interim director of the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at George Washington University. She will officially assume her new role on July 1, succeeding Dr. Patricia “Polly” Pittman, who is retiring after co-founding the institute 11 years ago and serving as its director since 2020.
Vichare, an associate professor, began her academic journey in India, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from MGM Medical College. She later moved to the United States to further her education, obtaining a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and a PhD in Healthcare Policy and Research from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Her extensive academic portfolio reflects her training and expertise, focusing on how Medicaid policies influence healthcare access, utilization, and outcomes for low-income populations. At George Washington University, Vichare’s work in the Department of Health Policy and Management examines the composition, diversity, and geographic distribution of health workers and their impact on the quality of care available to underserved communities.
Dr. Pittman praised Vichare’s contributions, stating, “Anushree has been an integral part of the leadership team, has a deep commitment to our mission and work, and, importantly, is adored by everyone who has the chance to work with her.”
In her current role, Vichare serves as an investigator on several externally funded research initiatives at the Mullan Institute. Her recent scholarship includes analyzing maternal health services, evaluating care delivery for Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with cancer, and exploring the impact of patient-clinician concordance on primary care utilization.
In addition to her research, Vichare co-leads the Health Workforce Diversity Initiative under the Social Mission Alliance at the institute. Her previous experience in health policy includes serving as the director of quality improvement for the American Gastroenterological Association, where she specialized in developing clinical performance metrics and quality measures for colonoscopy care.
University officials have indicated that Vichare will guide the strategic operations of the institute while a national search for a permanent director is conducted. Her leadership is expected to continue advancing the institute’s mission of promoting health workforce equity.
According to a university release, Vichare’s appointment reflects the institution’s commitment to maintaining strong leadership during this transitional period.