LFTT advisor, Major General Elder Granger M.D., US Army (retired) new chief medical officer of LifeWIRE

A member of Laughs for the Troops’ board of advisors, Major General Elder Granger, M.D., U.S. Army (retired), has joined LifeWIRE Corp. as its chief medical officer.

“As we continue to expand our presence in military and veteran health, Dr. Granger’s guidance and counsel will be invaluable. It is an honor to have such a distinguished military and civilian leader join our organization as chief medical officer,” said Howard Rosen, LifeWIRE’s CEO.

Dr. Granger said, “Innovative risk takers like LifeWIRE will drive the changes that are needed in healthcare, while benefiting patients, helping patient caregivers, supporting healthcare providers, and improving overall performance.

“Joining the LifeWIRE team, at this time, is a continuation of my personal commitment to integrate powerful technology with clinical best practices, and to deliver lifesaving solutions when, where and how they are needed.”

Prior to his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2009, Dr. Granger served as deputy director and program executive officer of the TRICARE Management Activity. He was principal advisor to the assistant secretary of defense (Health Affairs) for the Department of Defense’s health plan policy and performance. He oversaw all aspects of the managed care program within the Military Health System.

While with TRICARE, he oversaw the acquisition, operation and integration of TRICARE/DOD’s managed care program within the Military Health System. Dr. Granger led a staff of 1,800 in planning, budgeting, and executing a $22.5 billion defense health program — one that provided accessible health care for 9.2 million uniformed service members, their families, and retirees worldwide. He also led the largest U.S. and multi-national battlefield health system in recent history while serving in Iraq. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal, among other awards.

Dr. Granger is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Board of Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Granger holds a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas State University. He was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps and graduated from the University Of Arkansas School Of Medicine. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Henry Kaiser Medical Fellowship. He holds an honorary Doctor of Science from Meharry Medical College.