معرفی
Cindy J Nowinski, MD, PhD is a Research Professor in the Departments of Medical Social Sciences (Outcome and Measurement Science, Determinants of Health, Implementation Science) and Neurology (Ken and Ruth Davee Department) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM) - Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes and the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS).
Dr. Nowinski earned her BS (1982), MA (1986), and PhD (1991) from Loyola University of Chicago, followed by an MD (2000) from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Trained as both a clinical psychologist and physician, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her research.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Nowinski is a leading expert in developing patient-reported outcome measures and performance-based cognitive assessments for children and adults. Her research focuses on improving health and healthcare quality through standardized outcome measures, with particular emphasis on cognitive aging, neurological conditions (dementia, multiple sclerosis), and digital assessment technologies. She has played central roles in major national initiatives including Neuro-QoL, PROMIS, NIH Toolbox, Mobile Toolbox, and MyCog.
Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on smartphone-based cognitive screening tools for primary care implementation, machine learning optimization of assessment algorithms, and validation of remote cognitive testing methods. This work demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practical clinical tools that improve early detection of cognitive impairment.
Dr. Nowinski has received the Innovations Award from NorthShore University HealthSystem (2007) and holds numerous leadership positions including:
- Member, Digital Measures: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Working Group, Digital Medicine Society (2022-Present)
- Member, Clinical Practice Special Interest Group Working Group on PROMs as Screening Tools, International Society for Quality of Life Research (2020-Present)
- Associate Editor, Quality of Life Research (2018-2021)
- Guest Editor, Frontiers in Pediatrics (2019-2022)
She maintains active involvement in multiple professional societies including PROMIS Health Organization, Alzheimer's Association ISTAART, Digital Medicine Society, and International Society for Quality of Life Research. Her research is conducted through collaborations focused on implementing digital cognitive assessment tools like MyCog and Mobile Toolbox in diverse clinical settings, with special attention to underserved communities.
