WALLINGFORD-- Gaylord Hospital of Wallingford announces the appointment of Andrea Gelzer, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.P., to vice president and chief medical officer.

A nationally recognized physician, Gelzer has an extensive background in the clinical arena, with an expertise in public policy and operations.

Gelzer most recently served with Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan as chief medical officer, and prior to that was with CIGNA for almost 10 years in various capacities including senior vice president of clinical public affairs.

Dr. Gelzer has designed and implemented numerous collaborative alliances with provider and advocacy groups to improve health outcomes and assure patient safety. She has also provided frequent guidance to federal and state legislative bodies and addressed regulatory concerns.

Gelzer is a member of the board of directors of eHealthConnecticut and also serves on the March of Dimes Public Policy Advisory Council. She has previously served as a Commissioner for the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) and as a liaison representative to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A native and current resident of Wallingford, Gelzer completed her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Tufts University and her medical degree at St. George's University. She also completed a master's degree in preventive and administrative medicine at the University of Wisconsin. She is board certified in internal medicine.