The Department of Population Medicine (DPM) in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute is a research and teaching collaboration between Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Medical School.
The Department was created in 1992 to focus on research and education as they relate to the care of large defined populations, including individuals who do not seek out care. As the nation's first medical school appointing department based in a health plan, we are strategically positioned to improve population health and health care delivery locally, nationally, and internationally. We’re distinctive for our scope, expertise, and collaborations.
Our mission and activities are highly consonant with the National Academy of Medicine’s advocacy for a national Learning Health System – one that incorporates evidence-based practices into routine care, captures new knowledge as part of the ongoing delivery of care, and then applies new knowledge in a timely manner.
The Department is housed in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, a limited liability corporation of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. We are one of 15 Harvard Medical School affiliates. In 2021, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care combined with Tufts Health Plan, creating Point32Health. The Institute is also part of Point32Health and now partners with both health plans.
Dr. Emily Oken is President of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
To improve health care delivery and population health through research and education, in partnership with health plans, delivery systems, and public health agencies.
View our Annual Report on the activities and achievements of the Department of Population Medicine.
Take a big picture look at our community and achievements.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute is committed to building and nurturing an inclusive professional community in which diversity is valued and every person feels they have a rightful place, are welcome and respected, and are supported in their endeavors. Read our full statement here.