The department said Monday that Davis's duties include "providing professional medical leadership, expertise and coordination in addressing public health issues, workforce issues, and health policy development" to the agency.
Davis is an associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. He also holds an associate professorship in the university's Gerald Ford School of Public Policy.
Davis joined the university's faculty in 2000. His research has focused on vaccines and vaccine financing, regulation and financing of government-sponsored health programs, and public attitudes and opinions about health and health policy.
The state agency says Davis will retain his university ties while assuming the statewide duties.
