San Francisco, Calif., October 10, 2013 — The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is seeking nominations of clinicians, medical research methodologists, and public representatives to serve on the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) Panel for 2014 – 2015. CTAF meets in public to discuss systematic evidence reviews; to vote on the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of different health care tests, treatments, and delivery system interventions; and to provide guidance on how patients, clinicians, and health insurers can best apply medical evidence to improve the quality and value of health care services.

“We hope a broad range of clinicians, methodologists, and public representatives will put their names forward to be considered for a position on CTAF,” said Steven D. Pearson, M.D., the President of ICER, which now directs CTAF. “CTAF has a long record of excellence and has had a notable impact on medical practice and policy. The opening of new positions represents an important opportunity to become personally involved in CTAF’s ongoing effort to improve the quality and the value of patient care in California, and the nation.”

CTAF members will be selected for a two-year term, during which they will attend three full-day meetings per year. Prospective nominees should live in the state of California and have skills in the interpretation and application of medical evidence in health care delivery, including training in fields such as epidemiology, health services research, and health economics. Nominees without this background will also be considered if they have substantial practical experience in public health policy and administration, patient advocacy, or hospital and provider group quality management. For full details on qualification requirements, honoraria, and conflict of interest provisions, please visit www.ctaf.org.

Self-nominations are welcome. To apply, please send a brief letter of interest describing the nominees’ qualification for a position on CTAF along with a Curriculum Vitae or resume to Maria Chaves, CTAF Program Manager, at maria.chaves@ctaf.org . Questions can also be directed to Ms. Chaves at this email address. The deadline for applications is December 7, 2013.

About CTAF
The California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF), a flagship initiative of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, is dedicated to providing credible, evidence-based information about new and emerging medical technologies and delivery system interventions. Lead funding is provided by the Blue Shield of California Foundation. For more information about CTAF, please visit www.ctaf.org.

About ICER
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is an independent non-profit health care research organization dedicated to improving the interpretation and application of evidence in the health care system.
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