Seppo T. Rinne, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Seppo Rinne, MD, PhD, Medicine/Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine, is a practicing pulmonary and critical care physician, clinical informaticist, and health systems researcher, focused on the intersection between clinical informatics and implementation science. His work focuses on harnessing novel technologies to build learning health systems, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance evidence-based practices. He leads a multidisciplinary team of over 40 investigators and staff conducting research and evaluation on implementation of health information technology.

Dr. Rinne is currently evaluating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) $30 billion electronic health record (EHR) modernization effort. This organizational transformation has encountered significant challenges and delays, and his work has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for improvement, informing VA policy, and shaping the trajectory of the EHR transition. In recognition of these contributions, he was honored with a VA Health System Impact Award, highlighting the profound influence of his work on Veteran care and the VA system.

Beyond his focus on EHR transitions, Dr. Rinne working with health system leaders to harness comprehensive data sources, integrate advanced analytics, and apply artificial intelligence to inform healthcare improvements. His career is guided by a commitment to advancing technology and innovation to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.

Publications

  • Published 8/1/2026

    Brunner J, Sterling R, Cole E, Weiss J, Faas B, Nosbush C, Ahlness EA, Wong ES, Rinne ST, Cutrona SL. Harnessing institutional knowledge: mixed methods evaluation of peer coaching in a multi-site EHR transition. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2026 Aug 01; 33(8):1485-1493. PMID: 42143681.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/9/2026

    Brunner J, Bilodeau C, Molloy-Paolillo B, Helfrich CD, Dashtestani K, Cohen-Bearak A, Hauck JD, Herout J, Fuller H, Nebeker JR, Cutrona SL, Rinne ST. Clinical Standardization Across a National Health System: Perspectives From the Veterans Affairs' Electronic Health Record Transition. Med Care. 2026 Jul 01; 64(7):442-446. PMID: 42262367.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 5/21/2026

    Ahlness EA, Rucci J, Matteau E, Walton E, Rinne ST. Health professions trainee experiences transitioning to a new Federal Electronic Health Record: applying learning health system principles to support change management in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMIA Open. 2026 Jun; 9(3):ooag053. PMID: 42181701.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 3/8/2026

    Anderson E, Wiener RS, Braga AV, Dones M, Helfrich CD, Hyde J, Clayman ML, Rinne ST, Bokhour BG, Zeliadt SB. Patterns and Predictors of Health and Wellness Coaching Use Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Receiving Care From the United States Veterans Health Administration. Am J Health Promot. 2026 Mar 08; 8901171261432422. PMID: 41795630.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 3/1/2026

    Gillmeyer KR, Rinne ST, Klings ES, Elwy AR, Wiener RS. Provider networks for pulmonary hypertension in Massachusetts: implications for improving referrals to expert care. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2026 Mar 01; 23(3):369-378. PMID: 41842741.

    Read at: PubMed

Other Positions

  • Member, Pulmonary Center
    Boston University

Education

  • Indiana University School of Medicine, MD
  • Purdue University, PhD
  • Purdue University, BS