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National Research Network Staff
AAFP National Research Network
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS 66211
800-274-2237, ext. 3180
The National Research Network is part of the Health of the Public and Science Division, directed by Herbert F. Young, MD, MA, FAAFP.
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS 66211
800-274-2237, ext. 3180
The National Research Network is part of the Health of the Public and Science Division, directed by Herbert F. Young, MD, MA, FAAFP.
Back Row: Brian Manning, Tom Stewart, Jim Galliher & Elizabeth Stewart. Middle Row: Elias Brandt, Debbie Graham & Michelle Jeffcott-Pera. Front Row: Angie Lanigan & Mindy Spano
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@aqafp.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@aqafp.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.
James M. Galliher, PhD - Senior Scientist
jgallihe@aafp.org
Dr. Galliher served as Research Director for the AAFP National Research Network from 1999 to 2011, and continues to serve as a senior scientist on a part-time basis. Jim has an extensive background in practice-based research, large-scale survey research, research methodology and measurement, and statistical analysis. He has a PhD in sociology from the University of Arizona (Tucson).
jgallihe@aafp.org
Dr. Galliher served as Research Director for the AAFP National Research Network from 1999 to 2011, and continues to serve as a senior scientist on a part-time basis. Jim has an extensive background in practice-based research, large-scale survey research, research methodology and measurement, and statistical analysis. He has a PhD in sociology from the University of Arizona (Tucson).
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
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.
Jessica Huff, MPH, MS, CHES - Senior Research Assistant
jessica.huff@ucdenver.edu
Jessica provides support on AAFP NRN 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.
jessica.huff@ucdenver.edu
Jessica provides support on AAFP NRN 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.
Sharon C. Hunt, MA - Research Associate 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.
Natalia Loskutova, MD, PhD - Research Associate
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.
Natalia Loskutova, MD, PhD - Research Associate
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 Associate
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
rmclouth@aafp.org
Rusty joined the NRN in 2010 and services as a project manager for various NRN & CCRN studies. He 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 for various NRN & CCRN studies. He is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and supervision of practices for these studies.
Laura Nichols, MS - Senior Research Assistant
lnichols@aafp.org
Laura joined the NRN in 2010 and provides support on studies through all stages of their implementation. She oversees data collection, communications with practices and assists with preliminary data analysis.
lnichols@aafp.org
Laura joined the NRN in 2010 and provides support on studies through all stages of their implementation. She oversees data collection, communications with practices and assists with preliminary data analysis.
Craig Smail, MSc - Research Assistant
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.
Elizabeth E. Stewart, PhD, MBA - Director of Evaluation
estewart@aafp.org
Dr. Stewart started with the NRN in January 2010 after serving on the evaluation team of the AAFP Patient-Centered Medical Home National Demonstration Project (PCMH-NDP). Her expertise and interests include mixed methods analysis and evaluation with a strong emphasis on qualitative methods; primary care practice change and facilitation in regards to quality improvement and PCMH activities; and the role of primary care in fostering lifestyle behavior change for conditions such as diabetes and obesity. She is particularly interested in how primary care practices can effectively link to community health resources to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions. As the evaluation director, she designs and directs all NRN evaluation activities and also serves as principal investigator on several NRN research studies. Elizabeth holds an MS in Exercise Science, a PhD in Health & Human Performance, post-doc experience from a lab focusing on applied weight management studies, and an executive MBA to pull it all together.
estewart@aafp.org
Dr. Stewart started with the NRN in January 2010 after serving on the evaluation team of the AAFP Patient-Centered Medical Home National Demonstration Project (PCMH-NDP). Her expertise and interests include mixed methods analysis and evaluation with a strong emphasis on qualitative methods; primary care practice change and facilitation in regards to quality improvement and PCMH activities; and the role of primary care in fostering lifestyle behavior change for conditions such as diabetes and obesity. She is particularly interested in how primary care practices can effectively link to community health resources to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions. As the evaluation director, she designs and directs all NRN evaluation activities and also serves as principal investigator on several NRN research studies. Elizabeth holds an MS in Exercise Science, a PhD in Health & Human Performance, post-doc experience from a lab focusing on applied weight management studies, and an executive MBA to pull it all together.
Thomas V. Stewart - Research Network 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.
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