Alan M. Garber

Alan M. Garber is an American academic administrator, physician, and health economist who has served as the Provost of Harvard University since 2011. A prominent scholar in the field of health care economics, his research focuses on the economic analysis of medical technology adoption, health insurance design, and methods for improving health care delivery. Garber has held numerous leadership roles at Stanford University and within the National Academy of Medicine, shaping national discourse on health policy and fiscal sustainability.

Early life and education

Alan M. Garber was born in New York City and developed an early interest in the sciences. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1976. He remained at Harvard University to complete a Master of Arts in the same field. Garber then moved to Stanford University, where he undertook a combined program, earning both a Doctor of Philosophy in economics and a Doctor of Medicine degree. This dual training at Stanford University positioned him uniquely at the intersection of clinical medicine and economic theory.

Academic career

Following his training, Garber joined the faculty at Stanford University, holding appointments in the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Business, and the Department of Economics. He founded and directed the Center for Health Policy and the Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research at Stanford University. His scholarly work earned him election to the Institute of Medicine, now the National Academy of Medicine, and the Association of American Physicians. Garber also served as a staff physician at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.

Role as Provost of Harvard University

In 2011, Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust appointed Garber as the university's Provost, its chief academic and budgetary officer. As Provost, he has overseen the development of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and initiatives like HarvardX. He played a central role in the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating efforts across Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Garber has also been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations between faculties like the Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Health policy and economics research

Garber's research is foundational in cost-effectiveness analysis and the evaluation of medical technologies. He has extensively studied the economics of genomic medicine, cancer screening, and cardiovascular disease management. His work has influenced policy discussions at institutions like the Congressional Budget Office and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Garber has served on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and contributed to reports for the National Institutes of Health. He is a co-editor of the textbook *"Principles of Health Economics and Policy."*

Personal life

Alan M. Garber is married to Anne Yahanda, a former management consultant. The couple has two children. He maintains active involvement with several professional and civic organizations, including the American Economic Association and the American College of Physicians. Outside of his academic and administrative duties, Garber has an interest in history and has supported various initiatives at the Harvard Art Museums.

Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Harvard University provosts Category:American health economists Category:American physicians Category:Stanford University alumni Category:Harvard University alumni