Optimer Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Stephen Newman, MD, to its board of directors, according to a news release.
Dr. Newman was a pediatric gastroenterologist, teaching and practicing medicine for 12 years, before he became a hospital executive. He most recently served as vice chairman and chief operating officer of Tenet Healthcare Corp., a position he retired from in June.
Optimer is the developer of DIFICID (fidaxomicin) tablets, an FDA-approved macrolide antibacterial drug for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults 18 years of age and older.
Prior to joining Tenet, Dr. Newman held executive positions at Columbia/HCA and Touro Infirmary. He also served as associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine and as director of gastroenterology and nutrition support at Children's Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.
"Dr. Newman's extensive leadership and experience, ranging from medical practitioner to COO of a major healthcare delivery system operating several dozen hospitals and providing services to hundreds of institutions, brings tremendous insight and value to Optimer's Board, particularly in these early stages of introducing DIFICID to the healthcare system," said Pedro Lichtinger, president and CEO of Optimer, in the release.
Dr. Newman received his MD from the University of Tennessee, and then went on to complete his internship, residency and fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.
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