Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc.

Anwar Abbas MBA, MS

Anwar Abbas, MBA. MS, was born in Raipur, India and raised in Karachi Pakistan where his childhood dreams were rooted in the desire to become a doctor. The path to fulfilling this aspiration was fraught with challenges, however, instilling in him a deep-seated commitment to improving healthcare access and quality via technology.

Anwar's early experiences in exposed him to the complexities of emergency services and the inadequacies of the local healthcare system. Where he grew up, people seeking medical assistance often had to rely on individuals with limited knowledge, leading to misdiagnoses and potentially dangerous consequences.

I come from a place where healthcare was very scarce to people. The system was completely broken.

As a high school graduate with excellent marks, Anwar had the opportunity to pursue higher education in the United States. He then embarked on the next step in his educational journey at the University of Houston in 1972. It was during this time, however, that Anwar experienced a series of dramatic medical episodes that led to an appendix rupture and emergency surgery. This brush-up with the current healthcare system solidified his passion for healthcare and turned his attention to the importance of patient medical information at the fingertips of professionals

After arriving in the U.S, Anwar pursued a journey of education and leadership. He enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Houston and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Subsequently, he obtained a Master's degree in Computer Science from the same institution 1978. His academic pursuits didn't stop there, and he returned to the University of Houston to complete his Master of Business Administration. Additionally, Anwar's thirst for knowledge led him to Harvard, where he participated in the Executive Management Program in 1990 to further his integration into the world of healthcare management and leadership.

Anwar's extensive three-decade career in healthcare, including key roles like Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer, has consistently focused on improving patient access through innovative technology. In San Diego, he was named the Recipient of the Top Tech Executive Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 by San Diego Magazine for pioneering work in healthcare technology, emphasizing seamless information exchange between patients and providers. This recognition underscores Anwar's commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access and making lasting contributions to the industry.

 

We should rally IT leaders to utilize the necessary technology and information to connect with people, identify issues at their early stages, and act swiftly to address these issues. It's time to take proactive steps and make a difference.

Anwar’s experiences led him to Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. in 2017 where he assumed the role of Chief Information Officer.  There, his personal values became intrinsically aligned with the organization's mission and goals. Quality care, teamwork & collaboration, integrity, respect and diversity & inclusion. are the cornerstones of both his personal values and Clinicas'.

Anwar foresees a healthcare future where medical professionals seamlessly exchange crucial patient information while maintaining HIPAA compliance. His goal is to create a robust system that fosters collaboration among healthcare organizations, ensuring that every member of the patient's care team is fully informed and engaged. This comprehensive approach aims to eliminate potential gaps in the healthcare system, making sure that no critical information is forgotten or left unshared.

I want to ensure that patient information is seamlessly shared between organizations and that healthcare workers can access essential patient data quickly. This will lead to more efficient and effective care, improving patient outcomes.

Anwar's passion for healthcare and dedication to improving healthcare access and quality extend beyond his professional life. His inspiration stems from a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare. His life journey from a childhood dream of becoming a doctor to a healthcare technology innovator reflects his unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for all. As the CIO he continues to inspire change, push boundaries, and redefine the healthcare landscape, benefitting the community and beyond