Fern Health, a digital health company pioneering virtual musculoskeletal pain programs through employers, today announced the appointment of Hewett Chiu as Chief Operating Officer.
Chiu brings diverse healthcare systems transformation and leadership experience to Fern Health, including more than three years at the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, where he oversaw the city’s $48M public mental health and primary care clinical integration initiative – the largest operation of its kind in the United States.
“We’re excited to welcome Hewett Chiu and his visionary leadership experience in healthcare to Fern Health,” said Travis Bond, CEO of Fern Health. “His strategic thinking and commitment to the patient experience will strongly support our mission of delivering compassionate care to people in pain. At Fern Health, he will help us further integrate mental and physical health in chronic pain management, work that’s critical to our mission.”
In addition to his experience with the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Chiu is the co-founder and President of the Academy of Medical & Public Health Services, where he championed a community-based approach to clinical care.
“I’m thrilled to join Fern Health’s leadership team,” said Chiu. “Fern is well-positioned to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of musculoskeletal pain through innovative and engaging technology. I’ve spent my career understanding how biopsychosocial factors contribute to recovery, and I’m excited to see Fern Health taking this proven approach to chronic pain and exploring the interface between human and digital care.”
In 2015, Chiu was named a Margaret E. Mahoney Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, and a Fellow of the Academy for Healthcare Management. For his work on building the public health system, Chiu has been honored by President George W. Bush, the United States Congress, the New York Guard, the New York State Senate, the New York State Assembly, and the New York City Council.
