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James Almas
Vice President and National Medical Director of Clinical Effectiveness at LabCorp
Professional Background
James Almas is a distinguished medical professional with a wealth of experience in clinical effectiveness and medical guidance. His career has been marked by leadership roles across various prestigious organizations in the healthcare sector. Currently, he serves as the Vice President and National Medical Director of Clinical Effectiveness at LabCorp, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clinical practices meet high standards of care, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Prior to his current position, Dr. Almas was the Medical Director for MolDX at Palmetto GBA, focusing on the administration and development of molecular diagnostic services. His extensive background also includes serving as a Medical Officer at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), specifically within the Coverage Analysis Group (CAG), where he was responsible for vital coverage decisions affecting patient access to innovative medical technologies.
Dr. Almas has contributed significantly to both commercial healthcare organizations and governmental agencies. His consulting experience includes positions with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and various roles with Palmetto GBA, imparting a diverse perspective on healthcare delivery systems. Furthermore, he served as a CPT Advisor at the College of American Pathologists (CAP), providing insights and recommendations that influence coding and billing processes within the pathology specialty.
He began his clinical career as a physician at St. Dominic Hospital, where he later ascended to positions of increased responsibility as Medical Director of Pathology and Chief of Staff. Additionally, he served as Director of the Laboratory at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, utilizing his clinical expertise to improve laboratory operations and patient care.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Almas's educational background is as impressive as his career trajectory, starting with his formative years at Havre High School, where he likely developed a passion for the sciences that propelled him into the healthcare field. He furthered his academic pursuits at Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Humanities. This interdisciplinary foundation has likely provided him with a unique perspective on the human aspects of healthcare, blending scientific knowledge with a deeply rooted understanding of patient care and ethics.
Continuing his education, Dr. Almas earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the prestigious Columbia University in the City of New York. This rigorous training has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various medical and administrative roles within healthcare settings.
Dr. Almas’s remarkable journey through healthcare is characterized by not only his roles but also the impact he has made in each position. He has championed advancements in clinical effectiveness, fostered innovation in laboratory diagnostics, and facilitated critical coverage decisions that influence patient care across the United States.
Achievements
Throughout his career, James Almas has achieved numerous milestones that reflect his commitment to excellence in healthcare. His leadership at LabCorp demonstrates his ability to integrate clinical practices with operational strategies that enhance healthcare delivery. By being at the forefront of clinical effectiveness initiatives, he influences the standards to which diagnostic and clinical practices are held, ultimately benefiting patients nationwide.
His experience in leadership roles within organizations like Palmetto GBA and CMS signifies his trust and respect from peers in the medical community and showcases his ability to navigate complex healthcare challenges. Dr. Almas possesses a wealth of knowledge in coverage analysis and molecular diagnostics, which positions him as a sought-after consultant and advisor in the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and policy.
With a remarkable blend of practical clinical experience and strategic oversight, Dr. Almas represents a beacon of professionalism and dedication in the medical community. His ongoing contributions to healthcare continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals, ensuring that quality care remains a priority in every setting he engages with.