Data Science Institute

How does your research, teaching, or other work relate to data or computational science?

My professional journey, both in academia and clinical practice, deeply intertwines with the principles and applications of data science. As an Associate Professor of Dermatology, Clinician Educator, and Director of the Brown Dermatology Cutaneous Oncology Program, I have leveraged data science to enhance healthcare outcomes significantly. My role as the Chair of the Department’s Quality and Safety Committee and Founder & Director of the Lifespan Cancer Institute Center for Performance Measurement involves extensive work in healthcare analytics to develop performance measurement systems that improve clinical care quality. Additionally, my affiliation with the Brown University Spatial Studies in the Social Sciences and my adjunct professorship at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University have furthered my ability to engage with complex data systems.

My clinical expertise in Dermatology and Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology is complemented by a strong foundation in data-driven research. I completed my dermatology residency and fellowships in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Melanoma Clinical Research at prestigious institutions where I focused on integrating clinical data with research outcomes. This integration is particularly evident in my military service, where I utilized data to inform medical protocols and training programs, enhancing operational and healthcare efficiencies.

I have been an active participant in healthcare improvement initiatives through prominent organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), and the American Medical Association’s National Quality Registry Network (NQRN). My significant contribution was leading the development of the AAD’s DataDerm, a national performance measurement and data registry that encompasses the entirety of dermatology. This project not only underscores my commitment to data science but also highlights my skill in harnessing data to foster healthcare improvements.

My research interests in identifying risk factors for high-risk skin cancer and advanced melanoma dovetail with my passion for data science, as they rely heavily on analyzing large datasets to understand disease patterns and outcomes. This research has direct implications for improving care processes and enhancing patient health outcomes through predictive analytics and performance improvement strategies.

I believe in the transformative power of data science in healthcare. I am dedicated to exploring and implementing interdisciplinary methods that integrate patients, clinicians, health systems, and community stakeholders to cultivate healthy, sustainable communities.