HSR&D Research Career Scientist Award

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I have been conducting research in health services, epidemiology, and implementation science at the Hines VA Medical Center, HSR&D Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH) for over 19 years. My primary area of research has focused on Veterans with SCI/D, whom are at increased risk for infections and acquiring multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs). Little research had been conducted in this patient population, particularly in the VA which is the single largest source of care for persons with SCI/D in the U.S. My research has made significant impacts on the care of Veterans with SCI/D. This includes developing and disseminating a toolkit on prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization/infection for patients with SCI/D; educating clinicians about the modifiable risk factors of MDROs and impacts on morbidity and mortality in this population, and working collaboratively with clinicians and investigators across the country to develop tools for monitoring and tracking outcomes in Veterans with SCI/D, including the new VHA SCI/D outcomes registry. I have also expanded this work to a broader VA population including leading a QUERI program on antimicrobial resistance. Overall, this portfolio of research has led to 119 publications (45 first/senior author) and national prestige as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2012, awarded by the United States president and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In addition, as a doctoral level epidemiologist, my methodological training has allowed me to support the research activities of collaborators across the country. I also conduct mentoring activities for both clinician and non-clinician investigators, fellows, and students and participate in service activities for both VA and non-VA workgroups and committees. This award will be used to: 1) conduct and disseminate research that improves the health care and outcomes of Veterans, with a particular focus on prevention and management of infections and MDROs; 2) support the quantitative training and mentoring of students, fellows, and early career investigators; and 3) provide service to local and national committees to support the mission of VA, the HSR&D program, and CINCCH.