ANTONIJE LAZIC NAMED RESEARCH DIRECTOR FOR ARKANSAS CENTER FOR HEALTH IMPROVEMENT

LITTLE ROCK ― The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement has appointed Antonije Lazic, Ph.D., as director of research. In this role, Lazic will lead the health policy center’s efforts to develop evidence-based research that informs decision-makers and the broader research community on key health issues impacting Arkansas.

Lazic was the inaugural recipient of the G. Richard Smith, MD, ACHI Fellowship in Health Services and Policy Research from 2023 to 2024 and has continued to serve on the center’s research team since completing his fellowship. His research has appeared in The American Journal of Medicine, Preventive Medicine Reports and the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, among other publications.

“Toni is a talented researcher who has already made valuable contributions to ACHI’s work on issues such as disparities in cesarean section rates, risk factors for severe maternal morbidity, and the costs associated with adult obesity,” said ACHI President and CEO Craig Wilson. “We look forward to having him in this expanded role as we work to inform and support policies that improve the health of all Arkansans.”

Lazic previously worked as a health data analyst with TEKsystems, where he supported the Arkansas Department of Health’s efforts to enhance utilization of the Arkansas Healthcare Transparency Initiative’s All-Payer Claims Database and other data assets. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Arkansas, Lazic earned a master’s in health administration and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in health systems and service research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

ACHI is a nonpartisan, independent health policy center that serves as a catalyst for improving the health of all Arkansans through evidence-based research, public issue advocacy and collaborative program development.