It has only been since 2006 since the agency has been without a director, 4 years and I agree right now more than ever someone needs to fill those shoes. He was 
nominated back in March so a few months have already passed. Dr. Berwick is a pediatrician and Harvard University Professor.
Update: Dr. Don Berwick Will Be Nominated as CMS Administrator – Featured Expert From “Money Driven Medicine” – The Book and Movie (Videos)
What is nice too is that you can hear him speak on camera in the documentary, Money Driven Medicine which is really helpful to get an idea of where he stands and his thoughts. I found it helpful by all means.
Money Driven Medicine – Taking Back Healthcare from the Bill Moyer Show
DVDs of Money-Driven Medicine can be purchased now for institutional use at www.newsreel.org or by calling 877-811-7495. Home use DVDs are not offered.
Digital rental for home use will be available at Newsreel.org/Amazon after August 28 for $2.99.
Here’s a video where he talks about what is patient centered care all about. I certainly can’t blame the President for taking the shortcut around as we have to begin moving on healthcare issues. Dr. Berwick is a mover and a shaker and we need those folks in office where they can make a difference. BD
Obama will make the appointment on Wednesday of Dr. Donald Berwick, a healthcare expert he nominated in April to run the vast federal medical programs for poor and elderly Americans, according to White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer.
"Many Republicans in Congress have made it clear in recent weeks that they were going to stall the nomination as long as they could, solely to score political points," Pfeiffer said in a blog posted on the White House website.
Obama to bypass Senate to fill Medicare post: White House | Reuters