MADISON, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced today that Sukumar Nagendran, M.D., has joined Quest Diagnostics as vice president, medical affairs, a new position.

In this role, Dr. Nagendran will provide medical oversight for the company's diagnostic information services. He reports to Jon R. Cohen, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, and will be based at the company's headquarters in Madison, NJ.

"Dr. Nagendran has an impressive record of successful medical affairs in several clinical areas as well as in new product and business development and clinical trial operations," said Dr. Cohen. "These experiences, combined with his relationships with top medical and healthcare experts, will help us to engage medical opinion leaders, payers and clients in more productive dialogues about the composition and value of our services. These competencies are critical as our company strives to be more externally focused and responsive to market needs."

Most recently, Dr. Nagendran served as vice president, head of medical affairs at Reata Pharma. Prior to that, he was therapeutic-area head for new product development, medical affairs, clinical operations and biometrics, in which he oversaw several therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, for Daiichi Sankyo. He has held other senior positions related to clinical development and medical affairs for Pfizer and Novartis. 

Dr. Nagendran also has significant clinical practice experience. Early in his career, Dr. Nagendran practiced in a large internal-medicine physician group and was a staff physician at three hospitals in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, he is formerly a member of the PrimeCare managed care committee for Phoenix-based Banner Health Systems, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States.

Dr. Nagendran's research on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, oncology, pulmonary medicine and other areas of medicine has been published in a number of peer-reviewed publications, including Endocrine Practice, Current Medical Research & Opinion and Journal of Clinical Lipidology.

Dr. Nagendran earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Rutgers University and earned his doctorate in medicine from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, where he was given the Robert Wood Johnson Alumni award for outstanding medical student. He completed his internal medicine training at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and was inducted into the prestigious Mayo Alumni Laureate Group.

About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic information services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.

Quest, Quest Diagnostics, and all associated Quest Diagnostics registered or unregistered trademarks are the property of Quest Diagnostics. All third-party marks are the property of their respective owners.  

Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Wendy Bost (Media): 973-520-2800
Dan Haemmerle (Investors): 973-520-2900

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics