Wendy Novicoff, PhD
Wendy Novicoff, PhD, a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) and program director for both the Master of Science in Clinical Research program and the PHS Certificate program, has been named the Committee on Women in Medicine and Science (COWIMS) February Woman of the Month. Dr. Novicoff is a research methodologist with many years of experience in application of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and leads regional and national projects in health services research, outcomes evaluation, and quality and patient safety.
“Dr. Novicoff exemplifies excellence in all of our academic missions. She is a leader in clinical research across both public health sciences and orthopedics. Dr. Novicoff is a devoted educator and research mentor, and she has been an integral part of our educational programs from the beginning. Finally, and importantly, she is a consummate team player. I can always count on her providing her insight, volunteering to assist in a new endeavor, and speaking out on behalf of our faculty, staff, and students,” remarked Matthew Gurka, PhD, the chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences.
Dr. Novicoff also has a faculty appointment in the UVA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, where she is head of clinical trials and leads clinical outcomes research projects with residents and faculty. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, and she has presented more than 150 peer-reviewed abstracts, and contracts with industry, associations, and federally agencies to advise on integrating the science of outcome evaluation and quality improvement to clinical care and population health.
In addition, she is the director of the Be Safe Academy, an intensive program that trains frontline UVA Health staff, faculty, and trainees to lead projects to improve patient safety and quality. This position, along with her other efforts with the UVA Health Department of Quality and Performance Improvement, allows her to coach and mentor quality improvement projects throughout the institution.
Dr. Novicoff works with many groups within UVA, including, the Wisdom, Wellbeing & Peer Support Training (WWPST), where she is a co-evaluator. WWPST provides a comprehensive approach to fostering skills for healthcare professionals and support personnel dedicated to providing quality care to patients and families.
Serving in a multitude of capacities, she is the lead evaluator for iTHRIV and serves on the Graduate Medical Education Committee. She has led multi-year projects with the Department of Defense, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the Health Resources and Services Administration. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, she has taught quality and performance improvement to groups both within UVA and around the country, including serving as faculty for the American College of Healthcare Executives.
COWIMS and the School of Medicine are grateful for Dr. Novicoff’s invaluable contributions to advancing public health sciences, quality improvement, and patient safety. Her dedication to research, education, and collaboration continues to make a profound impact on healthcare professionals, patients, and communities.
Filed Under: Faculty