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AAFP NRN Staff & Committees
Staff of the AAFP NRN
The National Research Network is part of the Health of the Public and Science Division, directed by Herbert F. Young, MD, MA, FAAFP.
Wilson D. Pace, MD, FAAFP - Network Director
wpace@aafp.org
Dr. Pace is a Professor of Family Medicine and the Green-Edelman Chair for Practice-based Research at the University of Colorado and has served as the director of the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network since 2004. Dr. Pace’s research has focused on practice reorganization, practice-based research methodology, electronic data collection techniques and patient safety. Dr. Pace received his MD degree from the University of California, Irvine, in 1979. He is a board-certified Family Physician with a CAQ in Geriatrics.
Elias Brandt - Research Systems Analyst
ebrandt@aafp.org
Elias Brandt graduated with distinction in 2002 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics. He joined the AAFP National Research Network in 2004 where he has served as project manager on several NRN studies and has coauthored several articles. Currently, he oversees data collection for multiple research projects using the Distributed Ambulatory Research in Therapeutics Network (DARTNet).
ebrandt@aafp.org
Elias Brandt graduated with distinction in 2002 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics. He joined the AAFP National Research Network in 2004 where he has served as project manager on several NRN studies and has coauthored several articles. Currently, he oversees data collection for multiple research projects using the Distributed Ambulatory Research in Therapeutics Network (DARTNet).
Miriam Dickinson, PhD - Senior Scientist
miriam.dickinson@ucdenver.edu
Dr. Dickinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Miriam’s areas of research and teaching interest include practice-based research, health services research, research methods, and multilevel modeling.
miriam.dickinson@ucdenver.edu
Dr. Dickinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Miriam’s areas of research and teaching interest include practice-based research, health services research, research methods, and multilevel modeling.
Patty Fitzgibbons, MD - Senior Scientist
pfitzgibbons@aafp.org
Dr. Fitzgibbons is a part-time senior scientist, assisting with investigator activities on various AAFP NRN studies. She is also a clinical practitioner and faculty preceptor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Family Medicine. Patty has extensive experience working in a clinical setting, and brings over 20 years on the “front lines” of Family Medicine.
pfitzgibbons@aafp.org
Dr. Fitzgibbons is a part-time senior scientist, assisting with investigator activities on various AAFP NRN studies. She is also a clinical practitioner and faculty preceptor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Family Medicine. Patty has extensive experience working in a clinical setting, and brings over 20 years on the “front lines” of Family Medicine.
Deborah G. Graham, MSPH - Associate Research Director
dgraham@aafp.org
Debbie directs the day-to-day operations of the AAFP NRN, is part of the NRN senior research team, and serves as the Chief Operations Officer of DARTNet. Debbie also serves as project manager for selected research projects and directs the Human Subjects work of the Network.
dgraham@aafp.org
Debbie directs the day-to-day operations of the AAFP NRN, is part of the NRN senior research team, and serves as the Chief Operations Officer of DARTNet. Debbie also serves as project manager for selected research projects and directs the Human Subjects work of the Network.
Elizabeth Horsley, MSJ - Research Associate II
ehorsley@aafp.org
Liz currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies. Her educational background includes communication, molecular biosciences, and graduate work with an emphasis on medical journalism; and she brings to the NRN significant experience writing about medicine and science from her past life at the AAFP as an editor for American Family Physician.
ehorsley@aafp.org
Liz currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies. Her educational background includes communication, molecular biosciences, and graduate work with an emphasis on medical journalism; and she brings to the NRN significant experience writing about medicine and science from her past life at the AAFP as an editor for American Family Physician.
Sharon C. Hunt, MA - Research Project Manager and Qualitative Analyst
shunt@aafp.org
Sharon joined the NRN in 2011 and specializes in qualitative research and evaluation. She received her M.A. at the University of Missouri – Kansas City with special work in gerontology. She is responsible for the preparation, implementation and supervision of various NRN mix-methods studies.
shunt@aafp.org
Sharon joined the NRN in 2011 and specializes in qualitative research and evaluation. She received her M.A. at the University of Missouri – Kansas City with special work in gerontology. She is responsible for the preparation, implementation and supervision of various NRN mix-methods studies.
Kim S. Kimminau, PhD - Research Director
kkimminau@aafp.org
Dr. Kimminau serves as the research director for the AAFP National Research Network and is responsible for the conduct, overall supervision, staffing, and budgeting of studies fielded within the NRN.She is a biomedical anthropologist and health services researcher. Throughout Kim's career, she has taught, and worked both in the public and private sectors. Her focus is on policy and practice issues in primary care, community/health and health disparities. Her personal areas of research interest include oral health, overweight/obesity and cervical cancer. Kim is currently sharing her time between the AAFP NRN and the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine.
kkimminau@aafp.org
Dr. Kimminau serves as the research director for the AAFP National Research Network and is responsible for the conduct, overall supervision, staffing, and budgeting of studies fielded within the NRN.She is a biomedical anthropologist and health services researcher. Throughout Kim's career, she has taught, and worked both in the public and private sectors. Her focus is on policy and practice issues in primary care, community/health and health disparities. Her personal areas of research interest include oral health, overweight/obesity and cervical cancer. Kim is currently sharing her time between the AAFP NRN and the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine.
Robin Liston, MPH, CHES - Research Project Manager
rliston@aafp.org
Robin joined the AAFP NRN in 2012 and holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Kansas and a MPH from University of Missouri – Kansas City. Robin has a background in preventive medicine and public health and holds a certification as a certified health education specialist. Robin is currently serving as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies.
rliston@aafp.org
Robin joined the AAFP NRN in 2012 and holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Kansas and a MPH from University of Missouri – Kansas City. Robin has a background in preventive medicine and public health and holds a certification as a certified health education specialist. Robin is currently serving as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies.
Natalia Loskutova, MD, PhD - Research Project Manager
nloskutova@aafp.org
Dr. Loskutova joined the NRN in 2011. She currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies. She has a background in psychiatry, neuriorehabilitation and clinical research. Natalia holds and MD and PhD in Rehabilitation Science and her personal research interest areas are in mental and behavioral health and physical decline with aging.
nloskutova@aafp.org
Dr. Loskutova joined the NRN in 2011. She currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and overall supervision of these studies. She has a background in psychiatry, neuriorehabilitation and clinical research. Natalia holds and MD and PhD in Rehabilitation Science and her personal research interest areas are in mental and behavioral health and physical decline with aging.
Brian K. Manning, MPH, CHES - Senior Research Project Manager
bmanning@aafp.org
Brian became involved in research in 1999 following a brief stint in the NFL. He currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, budget, analysis, manuscript preparation and overall supervision of these studies. Brian has extensive experience with conducting large-scale randomized clinical trials that address areas in smoking cessation, dietary modifications, and patient/doctor communication.
bmanning@aafp.org
Brian became involved in research in 1999 following a brief stint in the NFL. He currently serves as a project manager for many studies and is responsible for the preparation, implementation, budget, analysis, manuscript preparation and overall supervision of these studies. Brian has extensive experience with conducting large-scale randomized clinical trials that address areas in smoking cessation, dietary modifications, and patient/doctor communication.
Rusty McLouth, MS - Research Associate II
rmclouth@aafp.org
Rusty joined the NRN in 2010 and services as a project manager. He primarily works on studies conducted in the CCRN and eNQUIRENet. Rusty is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and supervision of practices for these studies.
rmclouth@aafp.org
Rusty joined the NRN in 2010 and services as a project manager. He primarily works on studies conducted in the CCRN and eNQUIRENet. Rusty is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and supervision of practices for these studies.
Kris Neuhaus, MD - Senior Scientist
kneuhaus@aafp.org
Dr. Neuhaus is a part-time senior scientist, assisting with investigator activities on various AAFP NRN studies. Dr. Neuhaus is fellow with the Research Division at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Family Medicine. Her research interests include reduction of health disparities, in particular through restructuring the built environment to foster healthier habits, and bringing an ecologic perspective to health initiatives.
kneuhaus@aafp.org
Dr. Neuhaus is a part-time senior scientist, assisting with investigator activities on various AAFP NRN studies. Dr. Neuhaus is fellow with the Research Division at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Family Medicine. Her research interests include reduction of health disparities, in particular through restructuring the built environment to foster healthier habits, and bringing an ecologic perspective to health initiatives.
Laura Nichols, MS - Professional Research Assistant
laura.nichols@ucdenver.edu
Laura joined the AAFP NRN in 2010 and currently provides support on studies through all stages of implementation via the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. She oversees data collection and assists with preliminary data analysis.
laura.nichols@ucdenver.edu
Laura joined the AAFP NRN in 2010 and currently provides support on studies through all stages of implementation via the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. She oversees data collection and assists with preliminary data analysis.
Craig Smail, MSc - Research Project Coordinator
csmail@aafp.org
Craig joined the NRN in 2011 and provides support on studies through all stages of their implementation. He oversees data collection, communications with practices and assists with preliminary data analysis. Craig received an MA in business at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and an MS with distinction in Psychology at the University of Northumbria, England.
csmail@aafp.org
Craig joined the NRN in 2011 and provides support on studies through all stages of their implementation. He oversees data collection, communications with practices and assists with preliminary data analysis. Craig received an MA in business at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and an MS with distinction in Psychology at the University of Northumbria, England.
Mindy S. Spano - Research Communications Manager
mspano@aafp.org
Mindy manages the communication functions of the National Research Network. She is responsible for creating and distributing the NRN’s quarterly bulletin, maintaining the website, coordinating the internship program, and managing the dissemination efforts of the network. Mindy performs research management duties for various projects on an as needed basis. She also coordinates all of the IRB activities for the NRN and serves as a liaison between the NRN and the AAFP IRB.
mspano@aafp.org
Mindy manages the communication functions of the National Research Network. She is responsible for creating and distributing the NRN’s quarterly bulletin, maintaining the website, coordinating the internship program, and managing the dissemination efforts of the network. Mindy performs research management duties for various projects on an as needed basis. She also coordinates all of the IRB activities for the NRN and serves as a liaison between the NRN and the AAFP IRB.
Karen Sparks - Senior Program Coordinator
ksparks@aafp.org
Karen coordinates the clerical and administrative duties for the NRN and provides administrative support to all NRN staff. She is also responsible for the recruitment of clinicians into the NRN and assists with the recruitment of practices into specific research studies, in addition to assisting with various other activities within the Network. Karen also performs research assistant duties for various projects on an as needed basis.
ksparks@aafp.org
Karen coordinates the clerical and administrative duties for the NRN and provides administrative support to all NRN staff. She is also responsible for the recruitment of clinicians into the NRN and assists with the recruitment of practices into specific research studies, in addition to assisting with various other activities within the Network. Karen also performs research assistant duties for various projects on an as needed basis.
Elizabeth W. Staton, MSTC - Writer
Elizabeth.Staton@ucdenver.edu
Elizabeth works on improving written, graphic, and electronic communication and usability. She writes and edits grant applications, papers, and other materials, and manages the NRN Web site. She is also an Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Elizabeth.Staton@ucdenver.edu
Elizabeth works on improving written, graphic, and electronic communication and usability. She writes and edits grant applications, papers, and other materials, and manages the NRN Web site. She is also an Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Thomas V. Stewart - Research Program Administrator
tstewart@aafp.org
Tom has coordinated the efforts of the NRN since its founding. He currently manages the fiscal and contractual obligations of the NRN, as well as other departments within the Scientific Activities Division. Tom communicates regularly with network members and facilitates studies throughout the network.
tstewart@aafp.org
Tom has coordinated the efforts of the NRN since its founding. He currently manages the fiscal and contractual obligations of the NRN, as well as other departments within the Scientific Activities Division. Tom communicates regularly with network members and facilitates studies throughout the network.
Robyn Wearner, RD - Professional Research Assistant
robyn.wearner@ucdenver.edu
Robyn provides support on studies through all stages of implementation via the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. She oversees data collection and assists with preliminary data analysis.
robyn.wearner@ucdenver.edu
Robyn provides support on studies through all stages of implementation via the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. She oversees data collection and assists with preliminary data analysis.
Advisory Group Members
The Advisory Committee provides advice regarding the National Research Network's operations and policies. The Committee meets twice a year, once face-to-face and once via teleconference.
Current Advisory Group Members
- Edward Bujold, MD, FAAFP - Family Physician, Granite Falls, NC
- Sandra Burge, PhD - Department of Family & Community Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX
- Chester Fox, MD - Director of Upstate New York Practice-based Research Network (UNY-Net)
- Kimberly Krohn, MD, MPH, FAAFP - Director of Center for Family Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Minot, ND
- Margaret Love, PhD - Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Christopher Lupold, MD - Family Physician, Strasburg, PA
- Daniel Mullin, PsyD - Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Jamie L. Reedy, MD - Medical Director, Paramount Medical Group, Cranford, NJ
- Dennis A. Robbins, PhD, MPH - President, Integrated Decisions, Ethics, Alternatives and Solutions (IDEAS), Phoenix, AZ
- Alan I. Schwartzstein, MD - Family Physician, Dean Medical Center-Oregon Clinic, Oregon, WI
- Lynne Vaughn - Sr. Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer for Y-USA, Chicago, IL
- Tuner White, MBA - Helzberg School of Management, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO
Contact Us
AAFP National Research Network
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS 66211
800-274-2237, ext. 3180
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS 66211
800-274-2237, ext. 3180
About NRN
