Valerie M. Vaughn

Dr. Valerie M. Vaughn is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. She serves as Director of Clinical Research and holds the Bertram H. and Janet M. Schaap Presidential Endowed Chair. Dr. Vaughn is a national leader in hospital medicine, focusing on reducing diagnostic error and curbing antibiotic overuse during transitions of care. Her collaborative work spans physician decision-making, cognitive error, organizational culture, and quality measure development.

• Education: MD from University of Michigan, MS in Health and Health Services Research

Her research, supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Academy of Medicine, CDC, PCORI, and Moore Foundation, emphasizes patient safety and value-based healthcare. Dr. Vaughn leads the Antimicrobial Use Initiative within the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium and directs the Utah Quality Advancement Laboratory (UQuAL), which trains future healthcare leaders through its Scholars program and Hospitalist team.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in diagnostic stewardship, antibiotic overuse, and infection management across diverse clinical contexts. Trends in her work include systematic approaches to antimicrobial use, policy evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Scientific Awards: Society of Hospital Medicine Fellow (SFHM), American College of Physicians Fellow (FACP), Bertram H. and Janet M. Schaap Presidential Endowed Chair

Dr. Vaughn's grants from AHRQ, CDC, NAM, PCORI, and Moore Foundation fund her work in patient safety. She mentors trainees through UQuAL Scholars and leads national collaborations like the ROAD home trial to reduce antibiotic overuse at discharge. Her leadership roles include directing clinical research and quality initiatives.