Laura Joszt, Assistant Managing Editor, AJMC.com

After nearly 6 years overseeing public health initiatives, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, will be stepping down.

Over the last decade, all 5 national coordinators for health information technology have discussed the importance of connecting health care data, but the timing is finally right now.

Although people seem to assume Big Data will answer all questions and improve quality of care while increasing efficiencies, the healthcare industry needs to focus on what data is actually actionable.