Dr. Naveena Yanamala, director of the Center of Innovation at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, has been appointed to the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health Patient Engagement Advisory Committee.
Yanamala will serve as a special government employee on the PEAC until July 2027.
The PEAC consists of nine voting members who are patients, caregivers and health care advocates, along with one nonvoting industry representative and one voting consumer representative.
The primary purpose of the committee is to ensure that patients’ needs and experiences are integral to the FDA’s discussions concerning intricate matters related to the regulation of medical device usage by patients.
Yanamala is also an associate professor of medicine and director of data science and machine learning research at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. As director of the Center of Innovation, she leads the research, translation and development of technologies in cardiovascular science.
Under Yanamala’s leadership, RWJUH and Rutgers RWJMS’ Center for Innovation provides an integrated platform for experts in cardiovascular sciences, imaging and engineering to collaborate in the development, translation and clinical implementation of cutting-edge technologies. The overarching aim is to drive the adoption of innovative digital health solutions and diagnostic tools to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the community. The center’s focus is on developing partnerships and affiliations with other leading high-quality health care organizations and industry participants to develop a unique “industry-academia” collaboration with a focus on digital heath solutions, imaging and therapies that foster implementation of artificial intelligence-enabled care.
“I am deeply honored to assume this role, one that prioritizes the inclusion of diverse patient perspectives in regulatory processes, ultimately fostering safer and more patient-centered innovations in health care,” Yanamala said. “My dual responsibilities, both within the cardiology service line and as a special representative to the FDA, positioned me to leverage my experience effectively, providing valuable insights to steer optimal innovation and growth within our health care system.”
