The University of Michigan has named Preeti Malani, M.D. '95, chief health officer for the university.

Dr. Malani, a professor of Internal Medicine specializing in infectious diseases, will hold the position through May 31, 2020. She is the university's second chief health officer.

"Dr. Malani's impressive achievements as a physician, researcher and communicator make her an outstanding choice to help us ensure the health and wellness of all members of our community, as well as our ability to be a leading institution in these crucial areas," U-M President Mark Schlissel said.

She will serve as an adviser to the president and executive officers on matters of the health and wellness of the university community, including issues of disease management, public health preparedness, and promotion of healthy practices and climate on all three campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint. She also will serve as the medical director and chair of the advisory committee for MHealthy, the university's community health and wellness program.

Dr. Malani's clinical expertise includes Geriatric Medicine. She is the director of the recently launched National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Since 2012, she has served as an associate editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association.