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Elizabeth Zhani
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(OAK BROOK, Ill. - November 7, 2007) Joint Commission International (JCI) today announced the appointment of Paul Chang, M.B.B.S, M.P.H., C.P.H.Q., as managing director of its Asia-Pacific office located in Singapore.
In this position, Dr. Chang will foster relationships between JCI and Asia-Pacific health care organizations and agencies including regional ministries of health, governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Previously, Dr. Chang was deputy director, Clinical Services for Changi General Hospital, Singapore. He was a member of the hospital management team that prepared for JCI accreditation and helped the hospital achieve disease-specific certification for two of its cardiology programs. He also co-chaired the hospital's Patient Safety Committee and served on numerous other hospital committees in the areas of infection control, credentialing, service quality, as well as the Biological Event Task Force.
Prior to joining Changi General Hospital, Dr. Chang worked for the Singapore Ministry of Health. He has lectured internationally and delivered workshops on avian and pandemic flu planning and management. He was also a contributor to "JCI Accreditation-Getting Started," published by Joint Commission Resources.
"I am delighted Dr. Chang will be joining the JCI team. His knowledge of patient safety, JCI accreditation standards and methodology, as well as his local experience will prove invaluable in representing JCI in the Asia-Pacific region," says Karen H. Timmons, president and chief executive officer, JCI.
Dr. Chang earned his bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the National University of Singapore and completed his residency in Singapore. He received a master's of Public Health from the National University of Singapore. Dr. Chang is a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and a member of the National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM). He is also a trained JCI surveyor.
The previous managing director, Paul VanOsternberg, D.D.S., is relocating to the United States to head up JCI's Department of Standards Development and Interpretation as its executive director. This department is responsible for the ongoing development, evaluation and interpretation of JCI accreditation standards.