Recently-retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael H. Anderson, MD, has joined Harrison Medical Center as the organization’s new Chief Medical Officer.

“I look forward to helping Harrison Medical Center make a positive difference to our patients and provide exceptional healthcare to our community,” Anderson said.

Anderson most recently served as the Medical Officer to the Marine Corps and Director of Health Services, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps. He has championed a transformational relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs that established a new form of joint healthcare delivery.

He also established new clinical standards for garrison healthcare within the Navy’s operational forces and later served as the Navy’s Medical Inspector General.

“Dr. Anderson has tremendous capabilities in bringing together diverse medical systems in ways that transform quality and access to care,” said Scott Bosch, president and CEO of Harrison Medical Center. “His vast leadership experience will benefit our organization, physicians, staff, and most importantly, our patients.”

Anderson is a member of the American Academy of Family Practitioners (AAFP).

Along with his significant professional accomplishments, Anderson understands the unique healthcare needs Kitsap and Olympic peninsula residents, a press release about the appointment stated.

He previously served in this region from November 1990 to July 1995 as part of the initial faculty of the newly established Puget Sound Family Medicine Residency.

He returned to the Kitsap community, serving as director of medical services for Naval Hospital Bremerton from 1998-2000.

Anderson received his degree in medicine in May 1983 from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, School of Medicine in Bethesda, Md., and a bachelor’s degree with a major in biology from the University of California, San Diego.

He completed his family practice internship at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Camp Pendleton.