Postdoctoral program strengthens research department and Kaiser Permanente providing care
Kaiser Permanente Northern California Research Division (DOR) is currently hosting one of its largest groups of postdoctoral researchers. Each of these 11 young researchers collaborates with one or more of her mentors in the research department to conduct research studies that have the potential to improve health care delivery at Kaiser Permanente and beyond.
Meet our current fellows and learn about what drew them to the research department.
Scott Casey, MD, MS
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), I was an emergency medicine resident at the University of California, Davis. During my stay, I worked with KPNC. CREST NetworkSo I collaborated with research scientists at DOR.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
DOR is a leading agency for medical innovation. I believe the most powerful and lasting medical innovations will come from learning health systems like ours. DOR faculty are international thought leaders in their fields, and I have relied on their guidance when designing projects that improve patient care.
Dr. Briana Costales
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
I studied drug outcomes and policy at the University of Florida, specializing in pharmacoepidemiology.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
My interest in research stemmed from my fascination with Kaiser Permanente's data, particularly electronic medical record data. The data are highly valued in the field of pharmacoepidemiology for their strengths in researching drug safety and efficacy. As I was looking for opportunities to complement my background in mental health research, I learned about the Mental Health Research Network (MHRN). This consortium, which includes DOR and other KP sites, stood out for its impactful efforts. MHRN offered his T32 training program with DOR and Henry Ford Health as potential sites. This fellowship and the opportunity to impact health outcomes aligned well with my interests. DOR has the advantage of being located in my home state, making it an ideal choice for me both professionally and personally.
Dr. Luke P. Grosvenor
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
I received my PhD in Psychiatric Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
I was primarily drawn to DOR because of the great team of researchers and mentors I had gotten to know through previous collaborations and conversations with colleagues. The resources are also incredible, both in terms of internal and external support and available electronic health and cohort data, as well as career development opportunities. While continuing to investigate modifiable risk factors for autism within the KPNC Autism Research Program and Women's and Children's Health Section, I also explored new (to me) areas of research during this fellowship, such as health services. I am excited to work on research related to the use of. wider. Also, having previously only lived on the East Coast, I enjoy the great things that California and the Bay Area have to offer.
Dr. Kendria Kelly Taylor
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
I am studying at the University of Louisville and completed my dissertation research titled “The Reverse Effects of Birth: Exploring the Role of Birth and Perceived Racism Among Black Mothers Registered in Des Moines, Iowa.” I was working on it. Aiming for a healthy start, I worked as an infectious disease researcher for the novel coronavirus. -19.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
The opportunity to become a researcher was unexpected but ordained. As a recent graduate, while considering fellowship opportunities, I felt that good mentorship and a safe work environment that fosters growth and new opportunities are important. We believe DOR provides that. In addition to having a section dedicated to women's and children's health (my research passion), my mentor: lindsay abalos, PhD, and MPH were a big reason why I came here. Her mentoring approach has allowed me to explore new areas of research while integrating my passion for addressing maternal and child health inequalities among minority populations. Additionally, we were interested in conducting clinically meaningful research in which DOR is uniquely positioned.
Margay J. Knox, PhD, MPH
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
Before coming to DOR, I was a doctoral student in health policy at the University of California, Berkeley, where I conducted dissertation research on health system efforts to address health-related social needs. Previously, she managed research and evaluation projects at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Primary Care Center for Excellence. My projects there spanned healthcare improvement themes such as healthcare coaching, team-based care, employee experience, e-consulting, and patient engagement.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
There are many reasons why I wanted to become a researcher at DOR. First, we are excited to conduct research that can improve the way care is delivered and promote patient health. Kaiser Permanente's extensive data infrastructure and opportunities to partner with clinical leaders are two valuable factors that facilitate this type of impactful research. Second, my interest in the social determinants of health strongly aligns with Kaiser Permanente's mission to improve the overall health of our members and communities. Third, I am excited to continue to learn and grow through interactions with knowledgeable, proven, and supportive mentors.
Dr. Maha Mian
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany, New York and completed a clinical internship at VA Palo Alto. As a researcher, I use a mixed methods approach to investigate and develop harm reduction strategies for cannabis and psychedelic use. As a clinician, I am passionate about empowering people who have experienced trauma and increasing community involvement in mental health care.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
I am currently a second-year fellow in the NIDA T32 Substance Use Training Program in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSF and DOR. As a scientist and practitioner, I was very excited to join DOR. With the support of a great mentor, you can conduct research that uses integrated health systems data to improve substance use treatment outcomes.
Dr. Alicia Peterson
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
As a trained epidemiologist, DOR is an ideal fit for my research interests, with a large and robust electronic health record serving the diverse, innovative, and culturally vibrant Bay Area. It provided us with a great opportunity to access the dataset. I am passionate about conducting research related to women's and children's health to determine the health effects of exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy. DOR has two cohorts within its NIH-funded research group. Environmental influences on child health outcomes (ECHO) This program was a big draw for me and also provided great mentoring and collaboration opportunities. The research conducted at DOR has a direct impact on medical practice and policy, and I felt it provided the foundation I needed to further develop my research career.
Dr. Aaron A. Tierney
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
Before coming to DOR, I earned my doctorate in health policy from the University of California, Berkeley. My research in this program focused on the equitable design and implementation of telehealth in community health centers, federally qualified health centers, and other safety net settings that may serve disadvantaged populations. .
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
Although I already worked in informatics before coming to DOR, I received formal training in the field as a Clinical Informatics Delivery Science Fellow and expanded my research into the equitable design and implementation of AI tools in healthcare. I was excited to be able to do it. I was excited to learn more about Kaiser Permanente because they have a very unique care delivery model and are a data-driven system known for providing high-quality care. I was also attracted to the mentorship, career development opportunities, and support that the fellowship program provides to ensure success as I begin my career. Finally, I was very pleased to see that everyone I spoke to for this position valued a healthy work-life balance and recognized the importance of not only having a great career, but also a great personal life.
Dr. Emma Tucher
Where did you work or study before coming to DOR?
Prior to joining DOR as a Delivery Science Fellow, I was a doctoral candidate at Brown University, studying health services research with a particular focus on health economic methods. During my time at Brown, I applied my training to issues related to Medicare policy change, individuals managing the complexities of health care, and the integration of health and social care, with a particular focus on the social determinants of health. I researched.
Why did you decide to become a researcher at DOR?
Early in my graduate training, I learned about Kaiser Permanente's innovative role in testing and intervening for food insecurity and other social determinants of health. Kaiser Permanente's commitment to leveraging integrated systems and rich data assets to better serve its members is an inspiration to me. I grew up in Northern California. I hope that my research can contribute to improving the medical experience and welfare of local communities. Therefore, we found DOR to be the perfect place to work toward this goal, given our commitment to working with KPNC to generate research and translate it into KPNC's health system .
Dr. Ashley Aller
Dr. Ashley Aller received her medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan and completed her residency at the University of Chicago (North Shore). In addition to being a practicing clinician, she also has a strong interest in quality improvement, clinical research, and medical education.
Dr. Murtaza Moghli
Dr. Murtaza Mogri holds a master's degree in bioinformatics and a PhD in bioinformatics from Stanford University. He is a Delivery Science Fellow with a focus on clinical informatics, developing predictive models to guide clinical care and improve patient outcomes.
