Yi-Fen (Irene) Chen, MD

Yi-Fen (Irene) Chen, MD, has always been intrigued by the use of technology to deliver better care, and she is passionate about helping her physician colleagues with technology efficiency. Since the roll out of KP HealthConnect, she has been a prime mover on local and regional levels in implementing KP HealthConnect and in developing programs like Physicians Helping Physicians and Quick Wins.

As Santa Clara’s Chief of Information Technology, Dr. Chen developed the medical center’s Department Technology Leads. The Leads assist Chiefs in leveraging technology to meet operational needs. Her work to improve technology and workflow integration with ancillary services such as Pharmacy and Laboratory has improved quality, efficiency and service across departments. Her participation in the chart etiquette project was instrumental to its success.

She brought that same vision and meticulous planning to the rollout of wide-scale, complex technology upgrades, pilots, and programs including the Denali upgrade, KP HealthConnect optimization, Wide Screen View in Primary Care, and the Video Visit.

“Dr. Chen is an inspirational leader who has shepherded a multitude of projects with great aplomb,” says Susan Smarr, MD, Physician-in-Chief. “Her trailblazing efforts have helped position Kaiser Permanente as a major landmark on the ‘leveraging technology’ map.”