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Summit Presentations |
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Agodoa, Lawrence
Lawrence Y.C. Agodoa, M.D., FACP Is Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine . Other duties at NIDDK include Director of the End Stage Renal Disease Program; Program Scientist and Coordinator of the multi-center clinical studies, The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) Cohort; and Co-Project Officer of the End Stage Renal Disease database, the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). Dr. Agodoa was graduated from the Cornell University College of Medicine, New York, NY in 1971. He completed internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington Hospitals in Seattle , WA , and a three-year training in clinical and basic science research in Nephrology, and Renal Pathology.
Dr. Agodoa was Chief of the Nephrology Service at the Madigan Army Medical Center , Tacoma , WA from 1976 to 1981. In 1981, he returned to the University of Washington and completed 2 years of clinical and research training in Rheumatology and Immunology. In 1983, he was assigned to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center as Assistant Chief of the Nephrology Service and the Nephrology Training Program, and also appointed to the faculty of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Medical Sciences, Bethesda , Maryland . In 1985, he was appointed Director of the Military Medical Research Fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. In 1987, he was appointed Director of the Clinical Affairs Program in the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda , Maryland . In 2000, he was appointed Director of the Office of Minority Health Research Coordination in the Office of the Director, NIDDK, to oversee development and implementation of the Institute's Strategic Plan for reducing and eliminating health disparities in racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities.
Bagley, Grant
Grant Bagley, MD, JD is a partner in Arnold & Porter's Washington , D.C. , office where his practice focuses on the representation of providers, organizations and institutions for health policy, legislation and strategic planning. He also provides counsel regarding state and federal regulatory compliance, Medicare and private plan reimbursement, strategic planning and legislation. Dr. Bagley complements the firm's health care and life sciences practices with nearly 30 years of experience in the health care field and a deep and sophisticated understanding of health care policy issues and regulatory programs. He works with clients on Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) matters, as well as on health care reform and legislative initiatives at federal and state levels. He is the former Director of the Coverage and Analysis Group in the Medicare Office of Clinical Standards and Quality where he implemented a major reorganization by recruiting and building a staff to provide Medicare coverage policies. CMS is the federal agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid, and Child Health Insurance Programs, thereby providing health insurance for over 74 million Americans. While at CMS, Dr. Bagley directed the development of Medicare coverage policy and the assessment of new technology. Prior to serving as Director, he was Acting Director of CMS' Division of Physician Services, Office of Practitioner and Ambulatory Care Policy, Bureau of Policy Development. In that position, he had responsibility for developing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Dr. Bagley previously held positions as a Medical Officer at CMS and also served in the Office of the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Bagley served as an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Utah from 1990 to 1991, having received his J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law in 1989. He graduated from the George Washington School of Medicine in 1965 and served in a variety of senior administrative roles in the medical field and as a practicing physician. Dr. Bagley has received many honors and awards in the health care field, including a NIH special fellowship in Biophysics and Bioengineering and a Pew Foundation Fellowship in Health Policy Planning and Analysis at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica , California .
Anne C. Beal, M.D., M.P.H., is dedicated to improving health care in the US , particularly for vulnerable patient groups such as children and minorities. Her career is devoted to providing high quality health care and has included delivering healthcare services, teaching, research, and educating the public about their health. Dr. Beal is Senior Program Officer for the Program on Quality of Care for Underserved Populations at the Commonwealth Fund. The goal of the program is to improve quality and reduce disparities in healthcare for low income and racial/ethnic minority patients by promoting quality improvement innovations and addressing barriers to quality improvement adoptions that would benefit the underserved. Prior to joining the Fund, Dr. Beal was a health services researcher at the Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital . In addition, she was Associate Director of the Multicultural Affairs Office of Massachusetts General Hospital, an attending pediatrician within the division of General Pediatrics, and held faculty positions both within Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health.
Dr. Beal's research interests include social influences on preventive health behaviors for minorities, racial disparities in health care, and quality of care for child health. She is the principal investigator of an NIH award titled Ethnic Variations in Infant Feeding Decision Processes , and while at Harvard was a recipient of grant support from other funders including AHRQ and the Commonwealth Fund. She is also the author of The Black Parenting Book: Caring for Our Children in the First Five Years. Dr. Beal has been a pediatric commentator and medical correspondent for Essence Magazine, The American Baby Show, ABC News, and NBC News. Dr. Beal holds a B.A. from Brown University , an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College , and an M.P.H. from Columbia University . She completed her internship, residency, and NRSA fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx .
Robert Bonow, MD is the Goldberg Distinguished Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital , and Co-Director of the Northwestern Cardiovascular Institute. He received his MD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Before joining Northwestern in 1992, Dr. Bonow was Deputy Chief of the Cardiology Branch at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Bonow is recognized for his research and teaching in a variety of cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and heart failure. He has authored or co-authored more than 350 published papers. He serves on the editorial boards of 11 medical journals, and is editor along with Drs Braunwald, Zipes, and Libby of the 7th edition of Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . Dr. Bonow is immediate past-President of the American Heart Association (2002-2003). He chaired the American Heart Association's Committee on Scientific Sessions Program (1998 to 2000), Council on Clinical Cardiology (1999-2001), and Clinical Science Committee (2001-2002) and served on the Board of Directors (1999-2004). He also serves on the Board of Extramural Advisors of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Clinical Research Roundtable of the Institute of Medicine . He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the American College of Cardiology and the Subspecialty Board on Cardiovascular Disease of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Among his honors are the NIH Director's Award, the U.S. Public Health Service Commendation Medal and Outstanding Service Medal, and elected membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. He is the recipient of the 2000 Distinguished Fellowship Award of the American College of Cardiology and the 2003 Distinguished Leadership Award of the American Heart Association. He is listed in Who's Who in America , the Best Doctors in America, “The Top Cardiologists” by Chicago Magazine , and the “Country's Best Doctors” by Good Housekeeping .
Bonuccelli, Catherine A.
Catherine A. Bonuccelli, MD is Vice President of External Scientific Affairs for AstraZeneca in the United States . She is responsible for building and sustaining relationships with healthcare customers, including managed care companies, employer groups and the FDA. Bonuccelli began her career in 1983 with Johns Hopkins University , Department of Pediatrics. In 1994, she jointed Zeneca Pharmaceuticals as assistant director, Pulmonary Therapeutics; she as later appointed medical director, skills development advisor and global project physician. When Zeneca merged with Astra in 1999, Bonuccelli was named global project director for Accolate. Subsequently she served as business strategies, US Drug Development, AstraZeneca. Bonuccelli graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University and earned a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She then completed her Internship, Residency, Research Fellowship and Clinical Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital . Bonuccelli received certification from the National Board of Medicine, the American Board of Pediatrics and its Sub-Board of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine. She is licensed by the State of Delaware , Division of Professional Regulation. Bonuccelli is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Thoracic Society.
Boyer, Thomas
As the executive director for the Diabetes Care Coalition, Tom Boyer represents a partnership of the United States ' leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies, government entities and non-profit organizations dedicated to the management of diabetes. With over 12 years of professional experience in health care public relations, Tom Boyer provides communications counsel to, and implements programs on behalf of, top tier corporate and nonprofit entities in the diabetes arena. His work on former President Clinton's Health Care Task Force, with numerous elected officials and related nonprofit organizations gives him particular insight into reimbursement, insurance issues, consumer health and specialty health provider issues affecting the diabetes market.
Mr. Boyer is also the president and founder of The Boyer Group, a public relations and public affairs consulting business. He consults frequently with President Bush's Administration, third party organizations and interested government agencies to implement and assess programs aimed at improving the lives of people affected by diabetes. Mr. Boyer's nonprofit experience has been gleaned from his time directing the national and local public affairs efforts of the American Diabetes Association. His work secured coverage for diabetes therapies by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance programs. Working directly with the diabetes community, he crafted the supporting program materials that helped convince President Bill Clinton and Speaker Newt Gingrich of the need to improve diabetes coverage for the Medicare population. More recently, he worked with Members of Congress and the Bush Administration to draft legislation that provides coverage for diabetes needs in a prescription drug program for America 's senior citizens. Mr. Boyer received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Hope College in Holland , Michigan .
Bush, Constance
Constance Bush is a Professional Relations Manager, with Abbott Renal Care, a division of Abbott Laboratories. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Detroit in Detroit Michigan and is working on her Masters of Business Administration at Central Michigan University . Her background is in sales and marketing at Abbott Laboratories where she has held the positions of Marketing Manager, Regional Manager, and several positions affecting Health Policy and Reimbursement within the Marketing Group. She currently is responsible for State initiatives regarding Medicaid and development of both national alliance and community-based health care partnerships that heighten awareness of chronic kidney disease and its complications. Her focus is on health care disparities in the underserved population and increasing delivery of quality care within racial and ethnic groups.
Carrasco, MaJose
María José Carrasco is the Director of the NAMI Multicultural Action Center . As Director of the Center, Maria Jose is responsible for NAMI's outreach initiatives at a national level and for the development and implementation of NAMI's Cultural Competence Plan. As part of NAMI's Senior Management Team, Mrs. Carrasco participates in the strategic leadership of the organization and works across NAMI departments to infuse cultural competence throughout the organization. Her duties include program development and administration, drafting policy recommendations, training of NAMI leadership in issues that directly affect people of color, organizing minority mental health events, and providing expertise on disparities in mental healthcare issues. The mission of the Multicultural Action Center is to advocate for access and equality of mental health treatment and support for people of color. In keeping with this mission, Majose has been actively involved in efforts that address the needs of diverse communities at national, state, and local levels. Majose serves of different boards, review panels, and advisory groups including the expert panel for the National Institute of Mental Health's (NIMH) Outreach Partnership Program, the board of directors for the Latino Behavioral Health Institute, the advisory panel for the Self Reliance Foundation Conociendo Campaign, the Cultural Strategies Task Force for the National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide, the Mental Health Issues Committee for the National Hispanic-Latino American Agenda Summit; and Univision Communications Inc, Enterate! Campaign.
Francis D. Chesley, Jr., M.D. is currently Director of the Office of Extramural Research, Education, and Priority Populations in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). He provides leadership in the development of health services research training and career development programs, is the AHRQ Research Integrity Liaison Officer, coordinates the AHRQ Institutional Review Board, directs the Agency's research grant application peer review activities, manages and conducts health services research on priority populations and health disparities, and is responsible for the development and implementation of Agency extramural research policies and procedures. Dr. Chesley received a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University , his M.D. from Georgetown University Medical School , completed postgraduate residency training in Internal Medicine at the Georgetown University Medical Center , and completed a General Internal Medicine Clinical Fellowship in the Department of Medicine at the Georgetown University Medical Center .
Christensen, Donna
U.S. Representative Donna M. Christensen (D-VI) is currently serving her fifth term as a member of the House of Representatives. She is the first female physician in the history of the U.S. Congress, the first woman to represent an offshore Territory and the first woman Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands. Rep. Christensen is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairs the Congressional Black Caucus' Health Braintrust, which oversees and advocates minority health issues nationally and internationally. The Honorable Donna M. Christensen continues to distinguish herself as a leader in the United States Congress. As a Member serving her fifth term, she is the first female physician in the history of the U.S. Congress, the first woman to represent an offshore Territory, and the first woman Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands.
In the 109 th Congress, Delegate Christensen serves on the following House Committees, Subcommittees and Caucuses: She serves on the Committee on Resources, which oversees territorial and public land issues, the Committee on Business which oversees entrepreneurship and business activities and on the Homeland Security Committee which oversees preparing the nation to prevent and withstand attack. Christensen serves on the Committee on Resources' Subcommittee on National Parks, where she is the Ranking Democrat. She serves on the Small Business's Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight which oversees federal regulations on small businesses and on Homeland Security's Subcommittees on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology; Management, Integration and Oversight; and Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack. She earned a Bachelor of Science at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, her M.D. from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington , D.C. , and completed her residency in family medicine at Howard University Medical Center , becoming a board certified physician in 1977. Christensen is a member of the National Medical Association, the Virgin Islands Medical Society, the Caribbean Studies Association, the Caribbean Youth Organization and the Virgin Islands Medical Institute.
Clark, Luther
Dr. Clark is Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn , NY . Additionally, Dr. Clark is the Chief of Cardiology Services at Kings County Hospital Center and Director of the adult cardiology training program at SUNY downstate.
Cleary, Sean
Sean D. Cleary, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services and Director of the PhD Program in Epidemiology. He received a B.S. from University of Connecticut , an M.P.H. from Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, and as a recipient of a National Institutes of Mental Health research fellowship completed his PhD in epidemiology at Columbia University . Before joining the faculty at GW SPH&HS, Dr. Cleary held academic appointments at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Columbia University School of Social Work. He serves on the Executive Committee of the GWU Medical Center . His research has focused on adolescent health and risk behaviors, trauma and violence, and health disparities. Dr. Cleary has been a consultant with the National Minority Health Month Foundation for three years where he is responsible for overseeing data collection, documentation, and processing, grant and manuscript preparation, and management of analytic staff. He has collaborated with Dr. Gary Puckrein on a number of manuscripts and reports describing and demonstrating the utility of small area analysis in identifying health disparity zones.
Collazo, Albert
Albert Collazo is an independent consultant that works with Moore Consulting Group providing public affairs, media relations, community outreach and education activities in the Hispanic and minority communities in Florida . Albert fluently speaks, reads and writes English and Spanish and has extensive experience in various healthcare areas. Albert has worked with and advised numerous governmental and community based organizations on healthcare issues with a concentration in minority populations. This work has included community outreach and education activities for a national trade association interested in reducing racial and ethnic disparities in accessing needed health services. Other work experience includes public affairs for Miami-Dade County Health Department where he was responsible for legislative advocacy and program support for health education and awareness. Albert also worked with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Aging & Adult Services, where he was responsible for assessment, planning and evaluation of elder and disabled programs and development of community based service delivery systems. In 1993, Albert worked with the Annie E. Casey Foundation to develop and implement a family-focused, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural social service delivery program. Albert has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from St. Thomas University . He has post-graduate work in Social Marketing in Public Health from the University of South Florida and has studied at the University of Maria Christina , Madrid , Spain .
Cryer, Dennis R.
Dennis R. Cryer, MD, FAHA received his undergraduate degree from the Johns Hopkins University and completed his medical education in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where he performed extensive research in molecular genetics and chromosome structure. He received his residency training in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. The recipient of a research fellowship in Molecular Biology and a clinical research fellowship in Human Genetics and Metabolism at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, he was a member of their pediatric faculty in the areas of genetics and metabolism for several years, performing fundamental research in lipoprotein metabolism.
Dr. Cryer joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1987. He worked in Clinical Research and Development on the pravastatin (Pravachol â ) NDA and development of the large pravastatin primary and secondary cardiovascular intervention trials, and moved to the U.S. Operation in 1989 in order to develop the medical aspects of the launch of pravastatin. In early 1991, his responsibilities were expanded to include late phase medical development of all lipid-lowering and cardiac drugs. In 1993, his team led the licensing and medical development of metformin (Glucophage â ), an antidiabetic agent, for launch in the U.S. In 1996, Dr. Cryer's responsibilities were expanded to include the Women's Health Care area, and he was promoted to Vice President. His current position as Vice President, External Medical Affairs, allows him to devote his full efforts to external development programs across the cardiovascular and metabolic disease spectrum, as well as liaison for advocacy with other key therapeutic areas.
Dr. Cryer is a member of numerous scientific organizations including the American Diabetes Association, the American Federation for Medical Research, the American Society for Human Genetics, the American Society for Hypertension (Chair, Corporate Affairs Committee), the Endocrine Society, the International Atherosclerosis Society, the Molecular Medicine Society, and the Society for Women's Health Research. He was elected a Fellow of the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Council of the American Heart Association in 1987, and currently serves as a member of their Pharmaceutical Roundtable. He was recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Family Practice Foundation.
Daniels, Forrest
Forrest Daniels, MPA, FACHE currently serves as Director, Minority Health Programs for the American Kidney Fund, a leading national voluntary organization in Rockville, Maryland, serving people with and at-risk for kidney disease. Forrest began his career in healthcare as an Administrative Fellow at Northwestern Memorial Hospital , in Chicago , under the tutelage of president & CEO Gary Mecklenburg. Since then, he has held various senior management positions in federally qualified health centers, community hospitals and prior to his current position, established and served as founding executive director of Loretto Hospital Foundation; the sole fundraising arm for the only hospital in Chicago's largest community of Austin.
In his present position, Forrest is responsible for overseeing the successful development and implementation of the MIKE Program (Minority Intervention and Kidney Education). This health outreach program is designed to specifically address the disproportionately high incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among African-, Hispanic-, Asian-, and Native-Americans by providing prevention strategies, diagnostic screening, resource referral and supportive follow-up. The program currently operates out of three regional offices ( Chicago , Atlanta , & Washington , D.C. ) with plans for future expansion. His experiences include: general administration/management, strategic planning, fund development, community relations, web-design/strategy, operational enhancements, and marketing. A graduate of Howard University (BBA-Accounting) and Indiana University (MPA-Health Services Admin.), Forrest is board certified in healthcare management and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He enjoys tennis/golf, traditional & Brazilian jazz (Trane, Miles, Nascimento, Jobim, etc.), gospel (Aretha, Cleveland , etc.), triathlons and ethnic foods.
Daschner, Mary
Mary Daschner, R.Ph is Vice President and General Manager of Key Accounts , Medco Health Solutions. She is responsible for development and execution of market strategy, sales and account service to above segments. Daschner's previous roles at Medco have included business owner for home delivery pharmacy, senior programs, and e-commerce and communication functions within the UHG Account team. She is responsible for development and implementation of strategic plan to double home delivery penetration within twelve months. Shared responsibility for design and implementation of senior pharmacy discount card program for United Healthcare's Medicare population. Contributed to the design, development and launch of a private label e-commerce site, 365wellst.com , to support United Healthcare pharmacy programs. Daschner is responsible for developing communication framework and budget to support United Healthcare initiatives. Daschner is a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacy Research and Education Foundation, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Board of Directors. From November 1995 to 2000 she was a member of the Niemerow Council of Advisors of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Daschner has been the Long Term Care Pharmacy Preceptor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy since September 1988. Daschner was graduated from the University of Minnesota , College of Pharmacy , Minneapolis , Minnesota .
Delgado, Jane
Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance ), the nation's largest and oldest organization of health and human service providers to Hispanics. Alliance members provide services to over 12 million consumers annually. In 2000, the Ladies Home Journal named Dr. Delgado as one of seven “Women to Watch…unsung heroines who are forging ahead to improve our health.” Dr. Delgado serves as a trustee of the Kresge Foundation (Chair, Audit; Chair, Special Opportunities), Patient Safety Institute (Secretary and Treasurer), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (Executive Committee), and the Ocean Awareness Project. She is a member of the Advisory Panel on Medicare Education (2002- ongoing), National Advisory Council for Mrs. Rosalyn Carter's Task Force on Mental Health, EPA's Clean Air Act Advisory Council, and the honorary board of the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage . She is also an advisor to the American Academy of Family Physicians and to the March of Dimes.
Dr. Delgado is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, e.g., 2004 National Hispanic Woman of the Year Award, 2003 Florence Kelley Consumer Leadership Award, National Consumer League; 2002 Hispanic Business, 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S., 1996 Community Leadership Award Puerto Rican Family Institute, 1995 Dr. Harvey Wiley Award - FDA Commissioner's Special Citation, 1995 Carter-Bumpers Award, and in 1994 Las Primeras Award from MANA. In her position at the Alliance , Dr. Delgado oversees a national staff of 25 professionals as well as field operations throughout the United States , Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia dedicated to improving the health and well being of Hispanics. Dr. Delgado came to her position at the Alliance after serving in the Immediate Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Working under then DHHS Secretary Margaret Heckler, she was a key force in the development of the landmark “Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Black and Minority Health.” She served in DHHS from 1979-1985. Prior to working for DHHS she held a variety of positions including Children's Talent Coordinator for Sesame Street from 1973 to 1975. A practicing clinical psychologist, Dr. Delgado is also the author of the award winning (Library Journal, best health books for 2002) ÁSALUD! A Latina 's Guide to Total Health (Rayo/HarperCollins Publishers, 2002 edition), the first health book written by and for Latinas. SALUD in the words of one reviewer, “breaks the silence, calls the medical world to task, and breaks the legacy of modesty—all of which have kept Latinas in ignorance and at risk.”
Innovation and foresight have marked Dr. Delgado's career. In 1988, in addition to women's health, Dr. Delgado made environmental health a major program effort for the Alliance . In 1991 she initiated the first technology program for community-based organizations. In 2002 she made philanthropy in the Hispanic community a focus for the Alliance . Today the Alliance is at the forefront of covering the uninsured, redefining health to be comprehensive, and promoting cultural proficiency. The Alliance operates many programs including a national bilingual family health information service, a Center for Technology, and front-line community-based programs. In 1975 Dr. Delgado received her M.A. in Psychology from New York University . In 1981 she was awarded a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from SUNY Stony Brook and an M.S. in Urban and Policy Sciences from the W. Averell Harriman School of Urban and Policy Sciences. Dr. Delgado lives in Washington , D.C. with her husband Mark and daughter Elizabeth.
El-Mohandes, Ayman
Ayman El-Mohandes, MBBCh , MD , MPH, is Director of the Prevention Research Center and Interim Chair of the Department of Prevention and Community Health. Dr. El-Mohandes is a board-certified neonatologist and perinatal epidemiologist who received his medical degree from the University of Cairo and his medical training at the Children's Hospital National Medical Center , Masters of Public Health from George Washington University in Epidemiology. In the past four years, he has served as the Associate Dean of Research for the School of Public Health . Dr. El-Mohandes developed the Maternal Child Health track for the masters' program in public health. He is the Principal Investigator of a multi-million dollar NIH-funded cooperative agreement, which brings together several medical centers around the Washington-DC area with the goal of reducing infant mortality within African-American and Latino populations. He is currently the executive principal investigator of the NIH funded Project Hope, which is designed to examine the efficacy of an integrated intervention program addressing the risks of smoking, depression and intimate partner violence in DC's minority populations. Dr. El-Mohandes has an extensive record in teaching and mentoring of masters-level and doctoral students, as well as junior faculty. He has served on numerous school and university level committees. Dr. El-Mohandes established a collaborative distance learning program in COPC involving students in South Africa , Latin American and the Middle East . He is also a consultant to the USAID and has helped design and implement a program to improve services to mothers and children in underserved areas of Egypt . He has received many honors, among them 2001 Distinguished Research Award at The George Washington University Medical Center, a fellowship at the Immunology Unit of the INSERM Lyons, France, was elected to Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society in 1995, and was awarded the French Government State Scholarship for Clinical Research Scientists in 1979. He serves as a committee member for the dissertation by Anne Taggart at the George Washington University School of Education entitled: An investigation of the relationship between sleep, aggressive behavior and cortisol secretion in preschool-age children and is primary advisor to Prag Katta, currently a student in the DrPH program.
Faggett, Walter L.
Walter L. Faggett MD enjoys a distinguished career as a pediatrician, health systems administrator, policy analyst and in military service as a retired Armed Forces Colonel and parachutist. The recipient of the highly acclaimed Skinner Medal from the Academy of Health Science , Dr. Faggett's career reflects his stellar leadership abilities, clinical competencies and commitment to community service. Dr. Faggett is presently the Medical Director for the DC Department of Health Medicaid and Health Care Safety Net Administrations. He also holds a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Howard University College of Medicine. As a retired Armed Forces Colonel, Dr. Faggett has received numerous honors for military service, including the National Defense Service Medal. He has held membership on a number of community Boards including Healthcare for the Homeless and served on the Institute of Medicine 's Committee on National Immunization Finance & Policy Issues in 1999. Dr. Faggett's commitment to disease management protocols and community health is reflected in other notable accomplishments such as the establishment of a citywide Sickle Cell Anemia Program in San Antonio , Texas , which became a model for best practices and the development and implementation of an HMO structure for health care delivery to the homeless in Washington , DC . While serving in the Armed Forces, Dr. Faggett directed the US Army Physician's Assistant Program during a Saudi Arabian deployment and led a review team of medical assistants to assess capacity of the Saudi government and military to establish an academy of health sciences. Dr. Faggett also planned, directed, coordinated and participated in the Medical Civilian Assistance program for a population of over 110,000 while serving as the Grenada Intervention Medical director, US Medical Element. Dr. Faggett is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed internships and a pediatric residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and a Psychiatric Liaison Fellowship at DC General Hospital in Washington , DC . Dr. Faggett is currently the President of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of DC. He holds licensure to practice medicine in five states, including the District of Columbia and Maryland .
Finch, Ron
Ronald A. Finch, EdD is director, Center for Prevention and Health Services at the National Business Group on Health. The center focuses on information and resources for preventive and other health services that are delivered through employer-sponsored health plans and work site programs. Specifically, the center provides information for employers about current health recommendations from federal agencies and professional associations, best practices among employers, current health services research results, and opportunities to participate in teleconferences and in-person solutions workshops. The program areas include a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement, a Terrorism and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Initiative, Maternal and Child Health, Preventive Services, and Health Disparities. Prior to joining the Business Group, Dr Finch was the Director of Healthcare and the Hospital Administrator at Mount Carmel Guild Special Hospital, where he designed, implemented, and directed the delivery of behavioral health and addiction services to more than 6,000 indigent, psychiatric Medicaid and Medicare patients each year. Before that, Dr Finch was employed at Price Waterhouse Coopers as National Practice Leader for Behavioral Health. There, he developed a comprehensive national behavioral healthcare consulting practice that included approaches for development of clinical and administrative systems and structures, outcomes measurement systems, regulatory compliance and accreditation, staffing methodologies, and quality management. Dr Finch also has been Corporate Director of Managed Benefits and of the Employee Assistance Program at the BellSouth Corporation in Atlanta , Georgia , where he developed, implemented, and directed the activities of a managed medical, dental, pharmaceutical, mental health, and vision system for 350,000 BellSouth employees, retirees, and beneficiaries. Dr. Finch holds a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Doctorate in Counseling and Personnel Services from Memphis State University .
Flores, George R.
George R. Flores, MD, MPH, is a Senior Program Officer with The California Endowment, one of the nation's largest health foundations. He works in the Health Disparities strategic program focusing on programs, policies, and systems change to improve community health, currently concentrating on the new “Healthy Eating, Active Communities” initiative to prevent childhood obesity. Dr. Flores is a member of the Institute of Medicine committee that recently published, “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in The Balance.” Previously, he has served as Health Officer and Director of Public Health in San Diego County and in Sonoma County; Clinical Assistant Professor for the UCSF / Sutter Family Practice Residency Program; Director, Project HOPE in Guatemala; and Deputy Health Officer in Santa Barbara County. Dr. Flores is an alumnus of the University of Utah College of Medicine, the Harvard School of Public Health, the Kennedy School of Government, and the Public Health Leadership Institute. Dr. Flores is also a member of the Institute of Medicine committee that published, “The Future of the Public's Health in the 21 st Century.” Dr. Flores has held leadership positions in local, state, and national organizations, including the National Association of County and City Health Officials, California Conference of Local Health Officers, Sonoma County Medical Association, and the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, a leading voice for Latino health policy.
Forbes, Ronald
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Gavin, James
James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D., graduated from Livingstone College in Salisbury , N.C. , in 1966 with a degree in chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Emory University in 1970 and his M.D. degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1975. Dr. Gavin is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Senior Health Advisor on Health Affairs, Emory University School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta , GA. He was president of the Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta , GA from 2002-2004. He served as senior scientific officer at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) from 1991-2002 and director of the HHMI-National Institutes of Health Research Scholars Program from 2000-2002. Before joining the senior staff of HHMI, he was on faculty at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as a professor and as chief of the Diabetes Section, acting chief of the Section on Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, and William K. Warren Professor for Diabetes Studies. He previously served as Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis . He was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Public Health Service from 1971-73 and continues to serve as a reserve officer in the USPHS.
Dr. Gavin belongs to a number of organizations, including the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Diabetes Association, the American Society of Clinical Investigation, the American Association of Physicians, the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Society and the Sigma Pi Phi Leadership Fraternity. He is a past president of the American Diabetes Association and was voted Clinician of the Year by ADA in Diabetes in 1991. He has served on many advisory boards and on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Physiology and the American Journal of Medical Sciences. He is on the board of trustees for Duke University, Emory University, MicroIslet, Inc., and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and is a member of the Board of Baxter Pharmaceutical Corporation. He is national program director of Harold Amos Faculty Development Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Gavin is chairman of the National Diabetes Education Program and a past member of the Advisory Council to the NIDDK. He is also chairman of the Data Safety Monitoring Board for the VA Cooperative Diabetes Study. He has published more than 180 articles and abstracts in such publications as Science, Journal of Applied Physiology, Diabetes, and the American Journal of Physiology. He is author of two books “Healing our Village: A Self-Care guide for diabetes control” (with L. Coleman), and “Dr. Gavin's Health Guide for African Americans” (with S. Landrum ).
Gonzalez-Campoy, J. Michael
J. Michael Gonzalez-Campoy, MD, PhD, FACE is Medical Director and CEO of the Minnesota Center for Obesity, Metabolism and Endocrinology (MNCOME). Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy is Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota . He is board certified in Internal Medicine, and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy received his MD, PhD degree (in Physiology and Biophysics) from Mayo Medical School and Mayo Graduate School in Rochester , MN . He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy concluded his training with a fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis , MN . Currently, Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy is President of the Minnesota Medical Association. He serves on 5 standing committees of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and is Chair of the Minnesota Region Chapter of AACE. In addition to the above, Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy is a member of the American Diabetes Association, The Endocrine Society and is a Fellow with the American College of Endocrinology. Dr. Gonzalez-Campoy has published in the fields of renal physiology, osteoporosis and calcium metabolism, diabetes, and hormone replacement therapy. He is a recognized expert on obesity treatment, and lectures across the US and abroad on this subject. As a minority physician he is a strong advocate for cross-cultural competence, and is involved in several national committees on this subject, including the AMA-MAC.
Harrison, Sarah
Sarah S. Harrison, MBA is a seasoned healthcare executive and Vice President, for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP, one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world. She is currently on special assignment as an Executive Consultant to help lead an enhanced effort to improve minority health by focusing on reducing health disparities. In her former role as Vice President, Customer Strategy Integration, Sarah was responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies and business plans to ensure the successful commercialization of all products within the changing U.S. healthcare environment. Her positions prior to that included Vice President, Pain, Anesthesia & Infection Business Unit and Vice President, Managed Healthcare and National Accounts. Sarah was selected by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) to receive the prestigious HBA “Woman of the Year” award for 2002. This award is presented to a woman who contributes significantly to her organization, exemplifies leadership, contributes to the community, and acts as a role model for others. She was also recognized in 2002 by the New York Women's Agenda as “A Woman of the Future,” and in 2001, she received the HBA “Rising Star” award.
Harrison joined the Zeneca Agricultural Products business unit in Bayport , TX in 1977 as a chemist, and after a series of promotions, became National Production Coordinator for the Agricultural Products Division. In 1989, she joined Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, rising from Contract Sales Manager to Group Product Manager, Director, Market Strategy and Contract Operations, Vice President, Managed Healthcare & National Accounts and Vice President, Pain, Anesthesia and Infection. Active in both her profession and community, Harrison is a member of the National Association of Female Executives, HBA and its Advisory Board, Delta Sigma Theta National Sorority, National Political Congress of Black Women, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, International Women's Forum, Women Business Leaders Foundation, and on the Advisory Board of Wilmington Women in Business. She has received various awards and honors from the United Negro College Fund, the YMCA, Brandywine Professional Association and Who's Who Worldwide for outstanding achievement in business and industry. Harrison graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge , LA , with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and received her master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Houston in Houston , TX . Her motto is “To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Expected” and her mantra is “Each One Reach One”.
Holcombe, Kay
Kay Holcombe is currently Executive Vice President of Policy Directions, Inc., a government relations consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and legislative and regulatory advocacy regarding health care and related issues. Prior to this, Ms. Holcombe spent 5 years as professional health staff and senior health policy advisor to the House Commerce Committee (under Representative John D. Dingell); held multiple legislative, policy, and science positions in various agencies of the Public Health Service including the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health; served as health staff of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee (under Senator Orrin Hatch); and taught junior high school and high school science and mathematics. While working on Capitol Hill, Ms. Holcombe had principal responsibility for all public health legislation, including legislation relating to the National Institutes of Health and other agencies of the Public Health Service; Food and Drug Administration legislation and oversight, including the Hatch-Waxman amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, amendments to the prescription drug export provisions of the Act, and the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. Ms. Holcombe was a principal staff member in the development and enactment of the Food and Drug Modernization Act of 1997, the Food Quality Protection Act, and the Medicare provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Ms. Holcombe received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois and her graduate degree from the University of Virginia . She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Iota Sigma Pi, and was an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow.
Hussein, Carlessia
Carlessia Hussein, RN, DrPH graduated from the Freedmen's Hospital School of Nursing in Washington D.C. and completed graduate studies in Nursing, and a Public Health Doctorate at the University of California , School of Public Health , Berkeley . Her professional career has included public health policy and administration, university lecturing, health system regulation, direct nursing care, and public health nursing in a variety of settings. From 1977 through 1988, Dr. Hussein directed health planning and regulatory agencies in Santa Clara and Los Angeles , California and in Washington , D.C. Prior to that time, she served as Associate Dean at Berkeley School of Public Health and Chairperson of the Community Health Nursing Program, where she recruited minorities into the graduate program. In 1996, Dr. Hussein joined the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene where she managed a major portion of traditional public health programs in 23 counties and Baltimore City , with a budget of $250 million. Dr. Hussein was appointed Director of the Cigarette Restitution Fund Program (CRFP) in 2000. In this capacity, Dr. Hussein oversees the statewide dissemination and monitoring of an $80 million annual allocation of tobacco settlement funds aimed at reducing smoking and controlling cancer in Maryland by 2010. Dr. Hussein also directs the recently established Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) in the Office of the Secretary of Health (2004). The MHHD office is responsible for instituting programs that will reduce and eventually eliminate health disparities among minorities in Maryland .
Hutchinson, Janice
Janice Hutchinson, MD
(NO BIO AVAILABLE)
Jeffers, Lennox
Lennox J. Jeffers, M.D. is Professor of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, and Chief of Hepatology, Miami Veterans Medical Center . Dr. Jeffers is a Fellow the American College of Physicians, Chairman National Advisory Board for the NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, a Clinical Associate of the National Center for the Study of Wilson's Disease, and a member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the American Medical Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He received him Medical Degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. He completed a residency at Harlem Hospital - Colombia University , a Fellow ship in Gastroenterology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a Fellowship in Hepatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Jeffers has over a hundred publications and is in demand as a visiting professor and lecturer worldwide.
Jones, William
William "BJ" Jones joined NitroMed in September 2004 as Vice President of Marketing. Prior to his position at NitroMed, Mr. Jones worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) for 12 years and most recently held the position of U.S. Marketing Director for Abilify®, an antipsychotic medication. As Director, Mr. Jones led the fully integrated brand launch and was responsible for strategic development of Abilify's professional marketing plan, maximizing brand sales across retail, institution and long-term care channels. During his tenure at BMS, Mr. Jones has held various senior sales and marketing positions for the company's leading products, including Tequin® (an antibiotic treatment) and Excedrin (an OTC headache medication). Mr. Jones earned a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.S. in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.B.A from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Kahn, Jeffrey
Jeffrey A. Kahn, MD received his medical training at the State University of New York, Health Sciences Center at Syracuse , graduating cum laude in the top 5% of his class. He complete an Internship in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York; a Residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia; a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia; a Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California; and a Fellowship in Hepatology and Liver Transplantation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California Dr. Kahn is currently Transplant Hepatologist for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in Los Angeles. Dr. Kahn is a Diplomate in Gastroenterology, American Board of Internal Medicine; a Diplomate in Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine; and a Diplomate National Board of Medical Examiners. He is a member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and the
Medical Advisory Board, American Liver Foundation, Los Angeles Chapter.
Kenton, Edgar J.
Edgar J. Kenton, III, MD
(NO BIO AVAILABLE)
Klein, Rachel
Rachel Klein is Deputy Director of Health Policy for Families USA, a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Ms. Klein coordinates Families USA's research and policy work on Medicaid, which includes federal initiatives to strengthen and increase coverage for low-income people, as well as technical assistance to state-based health care advocates. Ms. Klein has been with Families USA since 1998. She holds an M.A. in Public Policy from the George Washington University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego .
Kong, B. Waine
B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D. is Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. Kong is a graduate of the Dickinson School of Law and a member of the Georgia Bar specializing in health law related issues. He has been the CEO of the Association of Black Cardiologists for 16 years. Prior to joining the ABC, Dr. Kong was the Director of the Urban Cardiology Research Center in Baltimore (the first independent African American clinical trial center in the United States), an Assistant Professor of Human Development at the University of the District of Columbia and Director of Research and Grants at Provident Hospital before assuming his responsibilities with the ABC. Dr. Kong, along with Dr. Elijah Saunders, co-pioneered the organization of churches and barbershops as high blood pressure control centers with a grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. He then assisted in the development of similar programs in twenty other cities and won the “Program of the Year” award from Delta Sigma Theta, as well as from the Health and Welfare Council of Maryland. He was also declared the “Father of Church Blood Pressure Control Programs” by the Maryland Association of Blood Pressure Measurement Specialists. In 1986, he won the prestigious community service award at the International Conference on High Blood Pressure Control in Black Populations held at Emory University for his role in the development of innovative programs to combat cardiovascular diseases in African Americans. He is the author of the Vital Signs Quality of Life Questionnaire. Dr. Kong has published widely and made presentations in Egypt, Israel, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, the Soviet Union, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Kenya about such topics as “Churches as High Blood Pressure Control Centers,” “The Underlying Causes of Hypertension in Blacks,” “Clinical Drug Trials in Underdeveloped Countries,” and “The History of the Treatment of High Blood Pressure in the United States,” “Quality of Life: Is It Just Another Clinical Sign?” and “Who Owns Cultural Property?”
Leevy, Carroll
Carroll B. Leevy, M.D. is currently Associate Professor, New Jersey Medical School , Director of Clinical Affairs and Transplant Hepatologist, New Jersey Medical School Liver Center and Sammy Davis, Jr. National Liver Institute. He was born in Jersey City , New Jersey ; educated at Harvard College (AB) and Johns Hopkins University Medical School (MD). Dr. Leevy completed an Internship and Residency at the University of Michigan Medical School and Hospital. He is certified as an Internist and Gastroenterologist, and is a Member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, the International Association for the Study of Liver Disease, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the Association for Academic Minority Physicians. Dr. Leevy is currently Secretary of the International Hepatology Informatics Group, and a Consultant to Schering Plough, Hoffmann-La Roche and Intermune on diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C.
Ellen Magnis, MBA serves a dual role as the American Heart Association's Vice President of Strategic Alliances and the Vice President of the American Stroke Association, a Division of the AHA. The strategic alliances team oversees national relationships with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the American College of Physicians and many others. The American Stroke Association team is responsible for driving integration of stroke activities throughout the American Heart Association's infrastructure, for forging and maintaining alliances with key stroke volunteers and organizations, and for monitoring and executing opportunities for improving stroke care in the marketplace. Prior to coming to the AHA in 2000, Ellen was CEO of a regional healthcare-focused Internet services company in Dallas . She also has more than 15 years of experience in private practice healthcare consulting (start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, and crisis management of medical practices undergoing significant change). She received her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Sociology and Research) from the University of Texas at Dallas and her M.B.A. (with a specialization in Organizations and Strategy) from the same institution.
Martinez, Edward
Edward Martinez, MA is Assistant Vice President of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. Martinez has nearly thirty years of experience as an executive and manager in the public sector. Prior to joining NAPH, he was Associate Director for Programs with the American International Health Alliance in Washington DC , a USAID-supported organization that manages health care partnerships between U.S. health care systems and those in countries of the former Soviet Union and in Central and Eastern Europe . In addition, Ed served over twenty-five years with the County of Los Angeles , where he specialized in hospital administration and human resources management. He managed one of the largest public hospitals in the U.S. as executive director of Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center and held key management positions at Harbor-UCLA and Martin Luther King, Jr.-Drew Medical Centers. In addition to earning a masters degree in public administration, Ed completed NAPH fellowship programs in health care policy and management.
Maxey, Randall
Randall W. Maxey, MD, PhD, was installed as the 104th president of the National Medical Association (NMA) at the organization's 2003 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. Dr. Maxey continues to emphasize the NMA's mission to eliminate health disparities. This will be accomplished, in part, with the development of cultural competence programs, public health outreach and further development of evidence-based best practices. In his scientific and academic endeavors and private nephrology practice, Dr. Maxey has made significant contributions to research and education on the prevention and treatment of renal failure, especially in cases complicated by cardiovascular disease. Over the years, his work has been recognized with awards from peers, colleagues, and professional organizations, including the National Medical Association and the Golden State Medical Association. In 1998, one of Dr. Maxey's achievements was creating new approaches to the prevention of renal failure in South Pacific Islanders with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Dr. Maxey is a past president of the Golden State Medical Association and the Charles R. Drew Medical Society, and founding president and board member of the Association of Minority Nephrologists. In addition, he maintains membership in several professional organizations, including the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs, and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. His publications have appeared in several textbooks and scientific journals.
Dr. Maxey earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati , in Ohio , followed by a doctorate in cardiovascular pharmacology from Howard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, both in Washington , DC . He received postgraduate training in the Department of Medicine at Harlem Hospital Medical Center , New York , New York , and was a postdoctoral fellow at the State University of New York at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn , New York . From 1983 to 1996, Dr. Maxey served as Director of Nephrology at Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital in Inglewood and Robert F. Kennedy Medical Center in Hawthorne, both located in California . Dr. Maxey has held academic appointments in California and Guam, S.U.N.Y University , Downstate Medical Center , Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Howard University , where he directed the Academic Reinforcement Program and taught basic sciences in the College of Dentistry .
McKinney, Kevin
Kevin H. McKinney, MD is Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Distinguished Clinician-Educator in Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. McKinney received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1992. He completed Residencies in Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Internal Medicine at UTMB. Dr. McKinney is a member of the Galveston County Medical Society, the Houston Medical Forum, the American College of Physicians, the Texas Academy of Internal Medicine, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Dr. McKinney was Associate Medical Director for Endocrinology at UTMB from 1998-2001. He is currently chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Medical Director of the Adult Clinical Endocrinology.
Miller, Pamela
Pamela T. Miller, Esq., currently holds the position of Vice President, Market Strategy and Development at Medco. She is leading the development of new market development strategies and positioning for state, federal government and large labor markets. Pamela also leads the new account service model that incorporates marketing, public and community affairs and constituent strategies (e.g., lobbyists, legislative, and executive branches of governments and labor leaders). Prior to Medco, Pamela served at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, as Vice President, Enterprise Planning and Quality, leading its government programs, strategic planning process, program management office, operating infrastructure and medical policy department for more than 10 years. Prior to that, Pamela was Deputy Commissioner in the New York City Department of Health, Director of the Hudson County Department of Environmental and Public Health, and National Director for Minority Initiatives for the American Lung Association. Currently Pamela serves as President of the Garden State Bar Association, and Board Member of The Boys and Girls Club of Newark, Women's Board of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute (NJPPRI). Pamela is also a member of the Links, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Bergen County Chapters. Pamela holds a BS in Natural Science from Saint Peter's College and an MPA in Health Policy, Planning & Administration from New York University . Pamela also holds a J.D. from the Seton Hall University School of Law. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Modlin, Charles S.
Charles S. Modlin, Jr., MD, F.A.C.S. is a Kidney Transplant Surgeon and Urologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In 1983 he graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Chemistry and received his medical school education at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago graduating in 1987. He completed a six-year Surgery/ Urology Residency at New York University in 1993 and then completed a 3-year Fellowship in Basic Science Transplant Immunology and Clinical Renovascular Surgery and Renal Transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In 1996 he joined the Staff of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Urological Institute with a joint staff appointment within the Cleveland Clinic Transplant center. Dr. Modlin in addition has served as director of surgical renal transplantation at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown , Ohio and Akron City Hospital in Akron , Ohio . He has authored scientific publications and presented scientific research at national meetings.
Dr. Modlin has made outstanding initiatives and contributions toward the elimination of health care disparities. Dr. Modlin is a leading force in Cleveland and leading the initiatives at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation toward elimination of health disparities. He is the Founder and Director of the Cleveland Clinic's Minority Men's Health Center which has gained national prominence. The center provides direct patient care (regardless of insurance status), patient education, research and community outreach to minority men and coordinates minority health initiatives at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to eliminate health care disparities. Of significance, Dr. Modlin is one of only 15 African American Transplant Surgeons in the United States and devotes much of his personal and professional energy educating minority patients regarding options for kidney transplantation. At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Dr. Modlin is a member of the Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University Anatomy Curriculum Committee and member of the Admissions Committee.
Dr. Modlin's efforts toward elimination of health disparities have earned him Proclamation and Special Recognition by Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell and Cleveland City Council President Frank Jackson. In addition, Dr. Modlin because of his work toward elimination of health disparities in the minority community was voted as one of “ Cleveland 's Most Interesting People” in the First Edition of “Who's Who In Black Cleveland ”. Dr. Modlin has initiated a grass-roots campaign toward educating the minority community about healthcare and preventative health and has made numerous appearances and speaking engagements within Cleveland area churches, health fairs, and within the Cleveland television, radio and print media. His efforts toward health disparity elimination earned him the Northwestern University Alumni Medal presented by President Henry Bienen.
Dr. Modlin is board-certified in Urology and a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Transplantation, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Urological Association, the Urologic Society of Transplantation and Vascular Surgery and the National Medical Association. He is an editor of the Journal of the National Medical Association . He is on the Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board of MOTTEP of Cleveland (Minority Tissue Transplant Education Program, and in 2001 received a MOTTEP of Cleveland Man of the Year recognition). He is Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee of the 100 Black Men of Cleveland , is Secretary and Trustee of The Shaker Schools Foundation in Shaker Heights (where he has initiated a mentorship program designed expose high academically performing minority students to careers in health professions), and is an elected member of the Northwestern University Medical School Alumni Board and Scholarship Committee.
Montijo, Michael
Michael Montijo, MD, MPH, FACP joined American Healthways in June of 2003. He serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. He is accountable for the operations and success of the Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Programs. Prior to joining American Healthways, Dr. Montijo performed consulting services for various pharmaceutical companies in the areas of pre-launch marketing strategy and medical affairs with phase four drug studies. In 2000 he joined Coordinated Care Solutions, Inc as the COO and Executive Vice President. CCS, a post-acute management company, grew over 300% during his tenure with business in eight states serving over 4 million lives. In 1997 he joined HIP Health Plans as the CMO and EVP. He was instrumental in changing the organization to a mixed model delivery system, reinstituting growth, and achieving its highest levels of profitability. Prior to HIP, He was the CMO and Vice President for Prudential Healthcare where he had responsibility 15 health plans in the Northeast and Central US and for most of the managed indemnity business. In 1992, he joined Health Care Plan of Western NY as an Associate Medical Director responsible for operating a large medical center and converting the health plan from a staff model to a mixed model delivery system.
Dr. Montijo has been involved in the development and management of IPOs, PHOs and provider owned and sponsored HMOs. He has been a physician surveyor for NCQA for over 10 years. He has held leadership positions in various not-for-profit organizations including the ADA and the AHA. He serves on the editorial board of the Disease Management Journal. He has spoken throughout the world on issues of health care delivery and finance. Dr. Montijo is a graduate of the UCLA School of Medicine and the Internal Medicine training program at the Arizona Health Sciences Center where he also served as Chief Medical Resident. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. He practiced internal medicine for over 15 years chiefly in Southern Arizona . He has served on the medical faculty of the University of Arizona and the State University of New York in Buffalo as an Associate Professor in Medicine.
Nolan, Kathleen
Kathleen Nolan, MPH is Director, Health Division, of the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices. The division provides information, analysis and technical assistance to governors on a broad range of issues, including health insurance coverage, aging and long-term care, chronic disease management, child health care, substance abuse and addiction, and prescription drug coverage. Before joining NGA, Nolan was the senior director for prevention at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Earlier, she worked as a research associate for the Institute of Medicine , and was a program specialist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment where she assisted in regulatory and legislative policy development. Prior to entering the policy arena, Nolan worked with disadvantaged populations in Colorado and Minnesota including developmentally disabled adults and abused children. Nolan earned her MPH from The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services and a B.A. in Psychology from Carleton College .
Norris, Keith
Keith C. Norris, MD, is Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean for Research, and Program Director of the Clinical Research Center at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles , California .
After receiving his medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine in Washington , DC , Dr. Norris completed an internship and a residency at Howard University Hospital , also in Washington , DC , where he served as chief resident in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Norris then completed fellowships in nephrology at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine and at Wadsworth VA Medical Center in Los Angeles . Board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology, Dr. Norris is also certified as a specialist in clinical hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension, Inc. Additionally, he is a Reiki Master and a postdoctoral candidate in metaphysics, spirituality, and holistic health at the College of Metaphysical Studies and New Age Ministries in Clearwater , Florida .
Dr. Norris's research interests focus on the impact and outcomes of chronic kidney disease in African American and Latino populations, the role of vitamin D in chronic kidney disease, calcium management in end-stage renal disease, and hypertension. Dr. Norris is a member of the NIH Study Section for the National Center for Research Resources and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Advisory Committee, and the NIH/National Center for Research Resources Clinical Research Working Group. A frequent presenter in both professional and academic settings, Dr. Norris has co-authored more than 100 journal articles, reviews, and textbook chapters, and over 100 abstracts. He is editor-in-chief of the journal Ethnicity & Disease. Dr. Norris currently holds professional memberships in the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Nephrology, the Renal Physicians Association (member, board of directors), American Association of Kidney Patients (member, medical advisory board) and the National Medical Association, among many others. Dr. Norris was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honor Society in 1980 and inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Science) in 2003.
Ofili, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, FACC completed medical school with distinction from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and received the Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore , Maryland . Dr. Ofili completed Internal Medicine Residency at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa , Oklahoma , Cardiology Fellowship at Washington University St. Louis, and Advanced Cardiac Research fellowship at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center . Dr. Ofili has an active interest in the mechanism of myocardial dysfunction with particular emphasis on the role of ultrasound imaging modalities. She received the Young Investigator Research Award earlier in her career for work on the physiologic basis of pharmacologic stress agents in a canine model of coronary artery disease.
In collaboration with Dr. Morton Kern, Dr. Ofili developed and validated the method of analysis of the intracoronary Doppler spectral waveform that remains in use in patients with coronary artery disease and in physiologic studies of coronary flow reserve. She has recognized expertise in the field of echocardiography, and continues to actively evaluate the role of echocardiography in clinical and population-based trials. As a recipient of the National Institute of Health Preventive Cardiology Academic Award, Dr. Ofili established large clinical patient database at Grady Memorial Hospital in congestive heart failure, chest pain and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, Dr. Ofili received the Center of Excellence Award from the Consortium of Southeastern Hypertension States for work on a community based network implementation of lipid and hypertension treatment algorithms for improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Ofili is the Director and Principal Investigator of the National Institute of Health Center of Clinical Research Excellence at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Ofili is the Past-President of the National Association of Black Cardiologists and an active member of the International Society of Hypertension in Blacks. Dr. Ofili serves on several national committees, including the American Heart Association's Science Advisory Committee and National Research Committee, the National Institute of Health Clinical Research Advisory group and NHLBI Women's Health Advisory Committee. She is a member of the American Heart Association Scientific Councils on Clinical Cardiology, Epidemiology and Prevention, and High Blood Pressure Research. She served on the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine Committee on Global Research and Development in Cardiovascular Diseases.
Dr. Ofili has mentored and supervised graduate students and fellows since 1990, including clinical cardiology and research fellows. Dr. Ofili mentors and shapes the Academic career development of MD and PhD faculty the Clinical Research Center and the Section of Cardiology. Other trainees include the Master of Science in Clinical Research fellows, doctoral trainees, the NASA Undergraduate Research awardees and the Minority Biomedical Research students. She is course director of the third year medical student cardiology clerkship, as well as, the fourth year medical student elective (1994 to the present). Dr. Ofili has published over 130 scientific papers, book chapters and abstracts, and made over 400 scientific presentations on hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Onyekere, Chinwe
Chinwe Onyekere, M.P.H., works on the Disparity Team and the Pioneer Portfolio. Before joining RWJF in June 2002, she was a researcher for a joint Harvard Medical School and Weill Medical College of Cornell University project, "Cultural Competence in Health Care." For this project, she investigated the emerging frameworks of and practical approaches to cultural competence. Onyekere also has research and program experience in health care disparities, pediatric chronic care issues, social determinates of health, and international health. She has worked on projects with the Office of Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health, Management Sciences for Health, and Children's Hospital in Boston . Onyekere received a master's degree in public health from Columbia University , Division of Sociomedical Sciences, and a B.A. in political science from Wellesley College in Massachusetts .
Peterson, Eric D.
Eric D. Peterson, MD, MPH is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Duke University . He is the Associate Vice Chair for Quality at Duke University Medical Center . Additionally, he is the Director of CV Outcomes Research and Quality as well as the Director of the Center for CV Cellular Therapeutics at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. His formal research training includes an MPH from Harvard University with special emphasis in biostatistics, health economics, and decision analysis. Dr. Peterson has received a Paul Beeson Faculty Scholar Research Award in geriatric cardiology and is a senior fellow in the Duke Center for Aging Research. He has a strong record of multiple past and current NIH funding. He is also currently the Principal Investigator on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Cardiac Database, as well as Co-PI on the STS AHRQ CQI RCTs. Additionally, Dr. Peterson is PI of CRUSADE, a national acute coronary syndrome registry.
Dr. Peterson is a leader in quality research, with over 125 peer-reviewed publications in the field, as well as sitting on multiple national committees including the Institute of Medicine QIO Subcommittee, the Co-Chair of the NHLBI Working Group on Outcomes Research; the VA's Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Executive Committee, and their Cardiac Surgery Consultants Committee; oversight board of the Massachusetts Data Analysis Center (MASS-DAC), the ACC NCDR Planning and Management Task Force, ACC Education for Quality Leaders Working Group, ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Data Standards, ACC/AHA Committee to Update Guidelines on the Management of Patients with Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, AHA Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Expert Panel, AHA CVD and Stroke Outcomes and Quality of Care Executive Committee, Chair – AHA Executive Database Committee, Vice Chair - AHA Quality of Care and Outcomes Research IWG Steering Committee, AHA Strategic Planning Task Force, AHA Get With the Guidelines National Steering Committee, AHA Science, Advisory and Coordinating Committee, AHA Database Task Force, AFMC Bypass Surgery Quality Measurement Task Force, ACCF/SCAI Clinical Expert Consensus Document on Carotid Stenting , AHA Disease Management Taxonomy Writing Group, The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) National Scientific Advisory Council (2003, 2004), and the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) Advisory Board.
Porter, Gayle
Gayle Porter, PhD is a licensed, clinical psychologist. She is currently a Principal Research Analyst and Senior Mental Health Advisor for the American Institute for Research. She is responsible for ensuring that numerous federally funded programs across the country have information and training on quality mental health services to families in which children have an emotional disturbance. These services are expected to be effective and/or evidence-based and reflect the System of Care principles of family involvement, cultural competence and sustainability. Dr. Porter has been on the faculties of Johns Hopkins' Psychiatry Department in the College of Medicine , and Howard University 's Psychology Department where she provided clinical supervision to senior staff and students of various disciplines. She was the first director of two outpatient mental health centers for the Washington , D.C. Commission on Mental Health Services. She developed and was the first full time director of what has become a nationally known school based mental health program for Johns Hopkins University/Hospital in Baltimore . Dr. Porter had mental health clinicians – e.g. social workers, psychologists, and art therapists – on a full time basis – in 19 schools in Baltimore . It was the first school-based program in Baltimore in which psychiatrists and psychiatric residents provided services to children and their families in the schools. Then Governor Parris Glendening, and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy designated her program the model school based program for Maryland . For her work, she received: from the Mayor of Baltimore, a Mayor's Citation and a Certificate and Award of Merit; and from the Maryland House of Delegates, a House Resolution Award for an Outstanding Citizen. Dr. Porter's program was featured on ABC's Nightline as an example of a program that had a documented positive impact on violence reduction.
Dr. Porter is an internationally known expert and lecturer in the area of mental health, particularly as it relates to African-Americans, children and women. She has also contributed articles to the mental health care literature and was first author on a chapter for the Handbook of Child and Adolescents Systems of Care: The New Community Psychiatry edited by Andres J. Pumeriega, M.D. and Nancy Winters M.D. published by Jossey-Bass. She also co-authored a book with Dr. Marilyn Gaston, Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness , published by Random House. She is Co-Director of The Gaston & Porter Health Improvement Center.
For her work in the area of mental health, Dr. Porter has received numerous prestigious awards-, including the St. Benedict Award for Community Service, in Chicago, IL the Ebenezer AME Church Award for Services Rendered to the Single Parents' ministry in Fort Washington, MD, two Certificates of Appreciation from the Department of Health and Human, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in Rockville, MD. She has also been honored with the Dr. Addison Pope Award from the Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation, the Distinct Imprint Award from the National Association of University Women in Washington , D.C. ; the Lifelong Commitment to Black Women's Health Award from the International Black Women's Congress; and the Shout Award from the Baraka Christian Counseling Center .
Price, Winston
Winston Price, M.D., FAAP has a distinguished career in medicine and administration. He has made outstanding contributions in medical education, administration, professional leadership and community service. Dr. Price was inaugurated as President in August 2004 at the National Medical Association's annual meeting in San Diego , California . Dr. Price received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and completed his residency at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and Sloan Kettering Hospital . He began his medical career as the Medical Director for the Pediatric Ambulatory Department at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Brooklyn from 1978 to 1985. During that time, he also served as Medical Consultant to the Department of Family Practice at SUNY. He practiced Pediatrics with the Departmental Practice Plan from 1979 to 1985 and then began a private practice in Brooklyn .
He is Board Certified in Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physician Executives. In 2002, Dr. Price was re-appointed by Governor Pataki to the Administrative Review Board of the New York State Department of Health Office of Professional Medical Conduct and served on the 5-member Appellate Board from 1994-2004. Dr. Price formerly served as Medical Director with Aetna-US Healthcare from 1999-2002 and had the responsibilities for a large New York City and Long Island network as well as oversight for physician/provider credentialing in New York . Dr. Price serves on the Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Practicing Physician's Advisory Committee of HCQA. He is an active member of the Office of Professional Medical Conduct, the Medical Society of the State of New York , Medical Society of the County of Kings , and the Empire State Medical Association.
Currently, Dr. Price is the Chief Medical Consultant for VCASTI International, a medical information systems and technology company and an Assistant Professor (Associate Professor status pending committee) of Clinical Pediatrics at SUNY Health Science at Brooklyn . In his spare time Dr. Price devotes countless hours to community organizations such as Parenting Education Program for Brooklyn, Prevent Child Abuse America , The Multicultural Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Diversity Advisory Committee of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and several Alumni Councils.
Primm, Annelle
Annelle B. Primm, M.D., MPH is the Director of Minority and National Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. She is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. From 1993 until 2004, she served as the medical director of the Johns Hopkins Community Psychiatry Program, a community mental health center, where she has developed and overseen a variety of mental health services for adults. Dr. Primm is a graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe College and Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Psychiatry, fellowship in Social and Community Psychiatry, and Masters of Public Health degree at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Primm is a nationally recognized expert on cultural issues in psychiatry and co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance abuse and has written and lectured widely on these topics. Dr. Primm has been a leader in collaborative public educational outreach and mental health screening initiatives focused on medically underserved populations. She is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the American College of Psychiatrists, and currently serves as Vice President of the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. Dr. Primm is Vice President for Public Education of the Mental Health Association of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Mental Health Association. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2001 Maryland Schizophrenia Award and the Career Communications, Inc. Women of Color in Science and Technology Emerald Award for Medical Education in 2003.
Puckrein, Gary
Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the National Minority Health Month Foundation (NMHMF), a nonprofit organization he founded in 1998. Dr. Puckrein is an authority on health information products. Under his leadership, NMHMF, along with support from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, launched the Zip code Analysis Project (ZCAP). ZCAP is a comprehensive database that links vital statistics, demographic, environmental, claims, prescription drug, clinical laboratory values, health care access points (i.e., hospitals or physicians offices) and other data elements into one centralized data warehouse, organized around Zip codes. ZCAP enabled the NMHMF to develop the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) that measures and forecasts health status in small geographic areas, evaluates the impact of specific interventions, monitors changes in health outcomes, and undertakes risk assessments (health care utilization and its financial implications). Dr. Puckrein also serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance of Minority Medical Associations.
Robertson, Diane
Diane Robertson is currently a partner with the law firm of FoxKiser, a nationally recognized firm of interdisciplinary experts specializing in strategic counsel, advice, and representation in the field of biomedical research, law, and public policy. Prior to joining FoxKiser, Dr. Robertson was a health policy advisor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy where she worked on several healthcare and biomedical research legislative initiatives including the Food and Drug Modernization Act, the Stem Cell Research Bill, the National Tobacco Settlement bill, and the reauthorization of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Robertson held several positions at the Food and Drug Administration including review chemist, legislative analyst, and science policy analyst. While at the FDA, she received the Commissioner's Special Citation for her work on the President's Food Safety Initiative. Dr. Robertson received her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Mount Holyoke College , her doctorate in chemistry from Boston College , and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center .
Robinson, William
William A. Robinson MD, MPH is Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He has worked for the Federal government for approximately 35 years, including his military service as an officer (Captain) in the U.S. Army. He received his education and training at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University ) in Virginia , Meharry Medical College and the George W. Hubbard Hospital in Nashville , at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore , and continuing education at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington , D.C.
Dr. Robinson began his Federal career in the early 1970s as a Medical Officer in the Food and Drug Administration, reviewing medical and scientific information in the Gastrointestinal Drug Section. He joined the Health Resources Administration (the precursor to HRSA) in 1975 to continue work he engaged earlier in his career as National President of the Student National Medical Association, to recruit more minorities into the health professions. In 1980, Dr. Robinson was selected to be Deputy Director of the Bureau of Health Professions helping oversee the major national programs created by the Congress to address the need to improve the supply and distribution of well-trained primary care, nursing, and public health professionals. In addition to helping oversee the Bureau's operations during a time of significant reorganization and the ultimate creation of HRSA, he was a major contributor in the development of the landmark Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Black and Minority Health .
He also served as a Health Consultant to the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, where he and two senior committee staff traveled to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to review social and economic conditions. Both the Congress and the Department commended his observations and contributions to the report. By 1984, he was named to the Federal government's Senior Executive Service, where he ultimately was advanced to the rank of “Meritorious Executive”. In 1986, Dr. Robinson was named HRSA's Chief Medical Officer. He's held this position almost continuously since then, except for the period during 1989 to 1991 when he was selected by HHS to be only the second person named Director of their Office of Minority Health, and the first to be Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health in the Public Health Service. After returning to HRSA, Dr. Robinson served for several months as the Acting Administrator of the agency during the transition period following the 1992 Presidential election. In this capacity he oversaw more than 2,000 employees and programs with budgets totaling in the billions of dollars. For a career of contributions to the public health of the nation, in 1994 he was elected into membership into the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health. From 1996 to 2005, Dr. Robinson continued to serve HRSA as Director of the Center for Quality. Here he led and coordinated agency efforts to improve the quality of health care, especially as it related to underserved and disadvantaged populations. Dr. Robinson is widely respected for his professional and personal contributions to public health and the well being of racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations.
Salazar, Roberto
Roberto Salazar was named by Secretary Ann Veneman as Administrator of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service on April 22, 2002. Salazar oversees 15 domestic nutrition assistance programs, including the Food Stamp Program, the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). FNS has a budget of $40 billion and a staff of over 1,600 across the country. Salazar was Director of USDA's Rural Development State Office in New Mexico prior to his appointment as FNS Administrator. As State Director, he was responsible for Federal financial investment programs for business, housing and utilities. From November 1998 to March 2001, Salazar served as Director of Science and Technology for New Mexico where he was instrumental in creating an economic environment that encouraged technology-based industry. He served as policy advisor to Governor Gary Johnson, working to advance the telecommunications infrastructure in New Mexico . From March 1995 to January 1998, he was Director of the New Mexico Human Services Department Child Support Enforcement and Income Support Divisions, where he administered the Food Stamp, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs. Salazar has held senior management positions with the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency. He was Executive Director of the Hispanic Radio Network from January to November 1998 where he supervised the development, production, and syndication of educational radio programs to over 160 stations in 18 countries. Salazar holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management and finance from New Mexico Highlands University .
Elijah Saunders, MD, FACC, FACP is a Professor of Medicine, Head, Section of Hypertension in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. He also serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville , Tennessee . He is Vice President for Graduate Medical Education and Affiliations at the University of Maryland Hospital. Dr. Saunders received his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and his Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State College. He completed both his Residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Maryland in Baltimore . A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research and the American College of Angiology and a certified specialist in Clinical Hypertension (American Society of Hypertension, Dr. Saunders has lectured extensively throughout the country and internationally, on hypertension, especially in special populations, such as, Blacks, elderly and those with concomitant diseases. He is co-author of the medical textbook, Hypertension in Blacks: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Treatment , and a book for the public on high blood pressure. He is Chief Editor of the textbook, Cardiovascular Diseases in Blacks. He is also co-author of the Handbook of Management of Hypertension in African Americans .
Schofield, Linda J.
Linda J. Schofield, BSN, MPH has had a 26 year career in health care, including senior management positions in both public and private sector health insurance programs. A consultant for the past 6 years, Linda has worked with a diverse range of customers, including providers, payors, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Prior to starting her consulting practice, Ms. Schofield was the executive director of two sequential health plans: Aetna's health plan in Connecticut , and Kaiser Permanente of Massachusetts . She previously directed the Connecticut Medicaid program. In addition to her expertise in health plan operations management, Ms. Schofield also has had extensive experience in public policy development and analysis. She worked in government affairs at the Travelers and headed Aetna 's public policy analysis unit. Ms. Schofield holds a Bachelor's in Nursing and a Master's of Public Health.
Scholle, Sarah
Sarah Scholle, DrPH, MPH is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NCQA's research agenda. Dr. Scholle previously served as Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh . Her research interests focus on assessing quality of health care and understanding consumer perceptions and preferences in health care, particularly for women and families. At NCQA, Dr. Scholle is principal investigator of newly funded study to identify and test the feasibility of methods for identifying high quality depression care by primary care providers that could be used in pay-for-performance programs. She is also directing a newly funded study on the feasibility of reporting HEDIS cardiovascular disease measures by gender. This study is supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the American Heart Association. In addition, Dr. Scholle is principal investigator on a study examining the feasibility of reporting Medicare quality data by race/ethnicity and is co-investigator on a related study to determine the potential for addressing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in health plan accreditation and quality measurement. Both of these studies are funded by the California Endowments. She is also project director for a series of studies related to the measurement of physician office systems funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. These efforts will demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Practice Systems Assessment Survey for assessing physician office systems and examine the relationship of physician office systems to quality of care. Dr. Scholle also represents NCQA on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's continuing efforts related the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey.
Umpierrez, Guillermo
Guillermo E. Umpierrez, M.D is Associate Professor of Medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta , Georgia . He is also Director of Diabetes Services for Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta . He received his medical training at the University of Guayaquil School of Medicine, Ecuador, and completed an Internship in Internal Medicine, and a Fellowship in Endocrinology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta , Georgia .
Wadhwa, Sandeep
Sandeep Wadhwa , MD , MBA oversees government services and products for McKesson Health Solutions, the largest provider of healthcare information technology and pharmaceutical distribution services. As a national expert in disease management for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, Dr. Wadhwa is regularly called upon by the media to offer an expert opinion about issues in these areas. His research interests center on chronic disease prevention and health care economics, and he frequently publishes scholarly articles in research journals. Dr. Wadhwa is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where he precepts at the Seniors Clinic. Prior to joining McKesson, Dr. Wadhwa was active in health care policy. He worked for the White House and the U.S. Congress, and has testified before four Congressional committees. He also testified before the President's Advisory Commission on Quality and Consumer Protection in the Health Care Industry on developing innovative models of care for vulnerable populations. Dr. Wadhwa is Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee and a Board Member of the Disease Management Association of America. Dr. Wadhwa received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and attended medical school at the Cornell University Medical College , where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and completed his residency training and fellowships at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania . Dr. Wadhwa also received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and completed a health services research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania .
Whitely, Roba
Roba Whiteley is executive director of Together Rx AccessTM, a new program that provides Americans without prescription drug coverage meaningful savings at the pharmacy counter. Whiteley has dedicated her life's work to ensuring that people have access to the best in healthcare. Throughout her 25-year career, she has been a powerful advocate for the development and delivery of innovative healthcare solutions. In July 2004, Whiteley became executive director of Together Rx, the nation's most widely enrolled private prescription savings program for lower-income Medicare beneficiaries, with nearly 1.5 million cardholders. Together Rx has helped seniors save more than $700 million on prescription medicines to date. As vice president of marketing and communications with the National Council on the Aging (NCOA), Whiteley enhanced the organization's strategic partnerships, healthcare initiatives and health-focused media campaigns. Her collaborative efforts with government agencies and other stakeholder groups increased awareness of key issues linked to aging in America . Prior to joining Together Rx, Whiteley served as executive director of Project Patient Care. Under her leadership, Project Patient Care conducted a study on how formulary drug substitutions affect elderly patient outcomes. Results of this research helped to inform the ongoing debate with providers and policy makers about this important issue. Whiteley holds a master's degree in nutrition science from Drexel University
Wilson, Amy
Amy Wilson, M.P.P., C.P. H.Q. is an Associate Project Director at the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in the Division of Research-Standards. She is responsible for the development and maintenance of Joint Commission standards and survey processes for health care organizations and has been actively involved in the Joint Commission's initiatives related to cultural and linguistic issues in health care. She recently conducted an assessment of Joint Commission Surveyors' opinions and observations related to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services and is involved in the development of surveyor training programs addressing culture and language in healthcare. Additionally, she is developing environmental assessments of culture and language issues to be conducted in various healthcare settings. Prior to coming to the Joint Commission, Amy worked in the fields of long-term care, addictions treatment, and health policy consulting. She began her healthcare career as a volunteer Occupational Therapy Assistant for a small urban hospital in Chicago . This experience led her to work in other clinical settings where she directly observed the variety of populations including geriatric persons, adolescents, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with mental illness, persons with addictions, and persons with HIV/AIDs. Amy earned her Masters Degree in Public Policy Studies with a concentration in Health Policy from the University of Chicago , and earned a Graduate Certificate in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Chicago . During her studies she explored issues of poverty, health inequalities, and health. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She is the Principal Investigator for Hospitals, Language, and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation , a 30 month project funded by The California Endowment, which will gather baseline data on a sample of hospitals to assess their capacity to address the issues of language and culture that impact the quality and safety of patient care.
Wong, Winston
Winston F. Wong, M.D., M.S., is Clinical Director, Community Benefit Care Management Institute, at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Wong joined Kaiser Permanente in 2003 as Clinical Director, Community Benefit, with joint appointments at the Care Management Institute and the National Program Office of Community Benefit. In this role, he is responsible for developing and cultivating partnerships with communities and agencies in advancing population management and evidence based medicine, with a particular emphasis on safety net providers and the elimination of health disparities. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, Wong was a Commissioned Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, serving as both the Chief Medical Officer for the Health Resources and Services Administration, Region IX, and Director of California Operations. He achieved the rank of Captain, and was awarded the Outstanding Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Wong is a Board Certified Family Practitioner, and continues clinical practice at Asian Health Services, a federally qualified health center in Oakland , California , where he served previously as Medical Director. Wong has served on a number of state and national advisory groups addressing issues in cultural competence, health care access, and improving health care for vulnerable populations.
Wu, Helen W.
Helen W. Wu, MSc is a Program Director for the National Quality Forum (NQF), a private, not-for-profit, open membership organization that is structured around a unique public-private partnership to develop national voluntary consensus standards for quality measurement and reporting among consumers, public and private purchasers, providers, health plans, researchers, and quality improvement groups. Established from a Presidential Advisory Commission report that recommended the creation of such a forum to advance quality improvement in the United States , NQF currently has over 260 member organizations that represent the depth and breadth of major healthcare stakeholders.
Ms. Wu leads NQF's initiatives to improve healthcare quality for minority and underserved populations. She has directed and authored reports for several major projects with a focus on racial/ethnic minorities and/or patients with limited English proficiency and low health literacy, including projects on improving informed consent and identifying a national action plan to address outpatient prescription medication use. Additionally, she has led its work in establishing nationally standardized measures for adult diabetes care, implementing standards for acute hospital care, and identifying guidelines for pay for performance programs. Ms. Wu has presented on the topic of disparities and quality measurement and reporting at numerous major conferences and served on expert committees for groups including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American Medical Association, and National Consumers League. Prior to joining the NQF, Ms. Wu worked at the Joint Commission on Health Care, a legislative health policy research commission of the Virginia General Assembly, where she conducted research and policy analysis for legislatively-mandated reports related to a variety of key state health issues, including advance medical directives, therapeutic pharmaceutical interchange, and the future of academic medical centers.
A practicing emergency medical technician-basic with the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad for two years, Ms. Wu was also the principal investigator for a project to evaluate the efficiency of priority dispatch protocols for triaging emergency medical personnel in a tiered-response, rural 911 system. She earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Virginia in health evaluation sciences, with a concentration in health services research and outcomes evaluation, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia in philosophy with a minor in biomedical ethics.
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