The Department was created in 1992 to focus on research and education as they relate to the care of large defined populations, including individuals who do not seek out care. As the nation's first medical school appointing department based in a health plan, we are strategically positioned to improve population health and health care delivery locally, nationally, and internationally. We’re distinctive for our scope, expertise, and collaborations.

Our mission and activities are highly consonant with the National Academy of Medicine’s advocacy for a national Learning Health System – one that incorporates evidence-based practices into routine care, captures new knowledge as part of the ongoing delivery of care, and then applies new knowledge in a timely manner.

The Department is housed in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, a limited liability corporation of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. We are one of 15 Harvard Medical School affiliates. In 2021, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care combined with Tufts Health Plan, creating Point32Health. The Institute is also part of Point32Health and now partners with both health plans.

Dr. Richard Platt is both Department Chair and President of the HPHC Institute.