Scott MacDonald named Chief Health Information Officer

UC Davis Health has appointed Scott T. MacDonald, M.D., as Chief Health Information Officer, effective Aug. 1. 

As Chief Health Information Officer, MacDonald will help guide the organization's strategic vision for health information technology, clinical informatics and digital innovation, while providing strategic oversight for Health Information Technology (HIT) and Clinical Informatics. He will also help optimize electronic health records and associated interfaces and workflows, strengthen data governance and security, and ensure digital systems support high-quality, patient-centered clinical care across UC Davis Health.

Prior to this appointment, MacDonald served as Chief Medical Information Officer and EMR Medical Director for UC Davis Health.

“Scott has been an extraordinary leader in clinical informatics and has earned the trust of physicians, nurses and care teams across our health system,” said Chief Clinical Officer Bruce Hall. “As we continue our journey to becoming a highly reliable organization, Scott’s leadership will help ensure our digital tools and medical records platform empower clinicians to deliver the very best care to our patients.”

MacDonald brings decades of experience advancing clinical information systems and improving health care delivery through technology. Since 2004, he has played a central role in the deployment and optimization of the Epic electronic health record at UC Davis Health, leading numerous initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and the clinician experience.

Among his accomplishments, MacDonald helped establish the Health Information and Clinical Informatics Committee, physician user groups, the Order Set Clearinghouse, Clinical Decision Support governance, the Practice Experience Program, the physician builder program and the AI Scribe initiative. His work has also advanced MyChart functionality, strengthened quality reporting, and enhanced data sharing compliance.

MacDonald was among the first physicians in the nation to become board certified in clinical informatics. He continues to practice internal medicine at the UC Davis Midtown Clinic while remaining active in state and national organizations focused on quality measurement, interoperability and health care regulations.

MacDonald earned his medical degree from Rush University and completed his internal medicine training at UC Davis. He teaches clinical informatics fellows, helping prepare the next generation of physician informaticists.

“We are excited to formalize Scott’s role in helping to advance care capacity, efficiency, and quality and experience on behalf of the patients and families we serve,” stated Hall.