AMA Picks WebMD Doctor With U.S. Health Policy Background As New CEO

The American Medical Association named as its new CEO Dr. John J. Whyte, the chief medical officer at WebMD who also worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Humana Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In hiring Dr. Whyte to replace longtime AMA CEO Dr. James Madara, the nation’s largest doctor group is bringing on board a physician with technology experience and a deep policy background at a time established government institutions have been the target for federal spending cuts and massive layoffs of workers including scientists, researchers and others.

“Dr. Whyte comes to the AMA with a background in clinical medicine, government, and the private sector,” the AMA said Friday in a statement. “A practicing physician for 27 years, he has deep experience in federal, state and local health policy paired with a proven record of strategic management and innovation in the private sector.”