Daniel West

Daniel West takes a creative approach to solving problems in the field of pediatrics, leveraging his extensive experience and innovative mindset to advance patient care and medical education. As a Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. West has dedicated his career to enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery through patient-centered and family-centered care models. His academic journey began with an M.D. from the University of Florida School of Medicine in 1986, followed by a residency in Pediatrics at UCSF, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for research and teaching. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. West has been at the forefront of research initiatives, notably leading a significant project on amplified DNA in childhood solid tumors, which received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His research contributions have been widely recognized, with numerous publications addressing critical topics such as family-centered rounds intervention and the integration of patient-centeredness in healthcare delivery. These works have significantly influenced contemporary practices and policies in pediatric care. Dr. West's commitment to education is evident in his active involvement in various educational initiatives. He played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the I-PASS handoff curriculum, a program designed to improve the quality and safety of patient handoffs in clinical settings. This curriculum has been instrumental in reducing communication errors and enhancing patient safety, reflecting Dr. West's dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence in healthcare environments. In addition to his research and educational endeavors, Dr. West has been a strong advocate for program evaluation in health professions education. He believes that rigorous evaluation is essential for ensuring that educational programs effectively meet the needs of both learners and patients. His efforts in this area have contributed to the development of more robust and effective educational frameworks within the medical community. Dr. West's work is characterized by a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the field of pediatrics, inspiring both current and future generations of healthcare professionals to prioritize patient-centered care and continuous improvement in medical education.