FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Office Practicum has named Dr. Barbara Periard chief medical officer, putting a longtime pediatrician and former practice president in charge of helping shape the Fort Washington-based company’s clinical strategy and product development for pediatric practices.
Periard brings experience spanning medicine, practice management and technology. She previously served as president of Forest Hills Pediatric Associates while practicing as a pediatrician.
Her relationship with Office Practicum predates the appointment. Periard has used the company’s technology for 17 years and served on its Clinical Advisory Board for six years.
The appointment gives Office Practicum a clinical executive with direct experience using its electronic health record technology while managing the operational demands of a pediatric practice.
“Having experienced each of those roles myself — and having used OP for 17 years — I understand firsthand the challenges pediatric practices face,” Periard said.
Periard began her career in technology after earning an engineering degree and working as a computer consultant before moving into medicine. Her subsequent work has combined pediatric care with data, technology and practice operations.
She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of its SOAPM and COCIT committees. Periard has also presented on pediatric medicine, practice management and the use of artificial intelligence in pediatrics.
Periard coauthored an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement addressing generative AI in pediatric clinical care that is expected to be published in November.
Office Practicum Chief Executive Officer Mike Ressel pointed to Periard’s experience as a pediatrician, practice owner and longtime user of the company’s technology as factors that will inform its product direction.
In her new position, Periard will represent the clinical perspective as Office Practicum develops technology and other solutions for pediatric practices.
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