Christopher W. Shanahan, MD, MPH, FACP
Christopher W. Shanahan, MD, MPH, FACP, is a board-certified primary care physician specializing in internal medicine and addiction medicine, with over 14 years of experience in clinical and research information technology (IT). Dr. Shanahan has a distinctive combination of expertise in clinical and research medical informatics & information technology, substance use disorders and chronic pain, and community medicine.
As the Director of the Community Medicine Unit within the Section of General Internal Medicine, Dr. Shanahan supports internal medicine physicians and other advanced practice clinicians working in the thirteen community health centers affiliated with Boston Medical Center, collectively known as the Boston HealthNet. He actively engages with community-based organizations and has over 24 years of hands-on experience in community-based clinical care.
Dr. Shanahan evaluates IT needs for research projects—whether IT-focused or IT-enabled—and collaborates on project design, development, and technical assessments for clinical studies leveraging IT resources. Through his extensive local and national professional network, he facilitates the development of practical and implementable research plans and programs. In addition to his informatics expertise, Dr. Shanahan has a strong focus on substance use disorders. He has led and collaborated on designing IT-enhanced initiatives and research studies addressing substance use and addiction treatment.
Since 2018, Dr. Shanahan has served as the Medical Director of the Massachusetts Consultation Service for the Treatment of Addiction and Pain, improving addiction and pain treatment through innovative approaches and collaboration.
Dr. Shanahan earned his MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and his MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.