Karen Zimmer

Professor making strides in research on patient safety and health information technology, Dr. Karen Zimmer is a distinguished figure in the field of pediatrics at Cornell University. With over 25 years of experience, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of quality improvement and health information systems. Her career is marked by her dedication to enhancing patient care through innovative technological solutions and rigorous evaluation processes. Dr. Zimmer has collaborated with a variety of esteemed organizations, including the ECRI Institute and Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she has played a pivotal role in implementing IT and quality improvement programs. Her work extends to government agencies, where she has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that prioritize patient safety and the effective use of health information technology. In addition to her practical contributions, Dr. Zimmer is deeply involved in academia. She holds academic appointments at Jefferson University and the Jefferson College of Population Health, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her commitment to education is further exemplified by her role in conducting a formal educational evaluation for pediatric residents at Johns Hopkins, ensuring that the training programs meet the highest standards of excellence. Dr. Zimmer's expertise is recognized through her active participation in professional committees. She is a member of the Practice Improvement Committee for the Society of Diagnostic Error, where she contributes to the development of strategies to reduce diagnostic errors in healthcare. Additionally, she serves on the AAMI HIT Committee on Risk and Usability Standards, helping to establish guidelines that enhance the safety and usability of health information technologies. Throughout her career, Dr. Zimmer has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes. Her work continues to influence the fields of patient safety and health information technology, making her a respected leader and innovator in her field.