RENO — Carl E. Heard, M.D., M.M.M., has been named medical director of Saint Mary’s Health Plans (SMHP). Heard will lead the statewide Health Plans medical management initiatives with a focus on utilization management of hospital and acute care, pharmacy and specialty care services. Additionally, he will actively work with northern Nevada’s provider community to communicate quality initiatives and cost effectiveness priorities in the era of health care reform to assure the best value and outcomes for Saint Mary’s Health Plans members.

Dr. Heard is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his residency in family practice medicine at the University of California, Irvine. He also holds a master’s degree in medical management from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. Dr. Heard has more than 25 years of clinical and medical management experience, including consulting and practicing at health systems in California and Nevada. His clinical practice experience includes affiliations with University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Valley Health Systems in California and most recently, Carson-Tahoe Regional Healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Heard has served on a multitude of advisory boards, associations and maintained medical leadership positions in both California and Nevada.

For more information, visit www.saintmaryshealthplans.com or call 888-840-9080.