Invacare Promotes Lewarski to VP of Clinical Affairs

ELYRIA, Ohio — Invacare Corp. announced March 25 that Joe
Lewarski has been promoted to vice president, clinical affairs.

As the manufacturer starts to focus on top-line growth,
expanding its presence in the clinical and academic medical
communities is part of the strategy, according to a release.
Lewarski’s new responsibilities will include interfacing with
leading clinicians, focusing on clinical applications during new
product development, coordinating clinical research activities,
conducting clinical studies and actively participating on clinical
advisory boards.

“As Invacare looks to improve the clinical efficacy and
scientific foundation of our product offerings and to expand into
new markets beyond Invacare’s traditional product platforms, such
as therapeutic support surfaces, it is important that we build a
clinical expertise to help us navigate and grow in these areas,”
said Lou Slangen, Invacare’s senior vice president of global
business development. “We are fortunate to be able to draw from
Joe’s clinical and academic medical experience.”

A registered respiratory therapist and a Fellow of the American
Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), Lewarski is also a former
HME company owner. He has worked in health care for more than 25
years, serving in a number of management and leadership roles in
hospital, long-term care and home care settings.

Lewarski has published more than two dozen scientific and
research papers in peer review, as well as numerous articles, white
papers and health care industry commentaries. He currently serves
on the AARC board of directors as vice president of external
affairs and is a past home care section chair.

In addition, Lewarski currently serves on the board of the
National Home Oxygen Patient Association (NHOPA), is an active
member of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and a
former board member of the American Association for Homecare.

Invacare is conducting a search for Lewarski’s replacement as
vice president and category manager of respiratory for Invacare
Homecare.