Kathleen Frisbee, MPH, PH. D – I CARE in Action

VA employees demonstrate the I CARE values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence every day in their roles in VA facilities across the country. Their stories are compelling, and tell a unique story of what it’s like to work at VA.

Recently, Kathleen L. Frisbee, MPH, Ph.D., VA’s co-director of Connected Health, was recognized as a leader in her field when she was named one of the Top-10 influential women in health IT by FierceHealthIT for 2014.

She was awarded this distinction specifically for leading VA’s Mobile Health initiative, where she oversees the development of mobile health apps for Veterans and providers, and for shaping the vision of how VA can use mobile technology in the future.

Of her work, she says: “Connected Health is a relatively new office within VA, but the concept of virtual care has been around for more than 10 years. We are noticing a paradigm shift from the traditional office visit within the walls of the VA medical centers to a patient-centered model of care where we are leveraging technology to empower the patient.”

Dr. Frisbee has worked in health IT leadership roles across VA for over 25 years. Her commitment is evident in the way she talks of her work, and she’s also an advocate for a career at VA, explaining the immeasurable benefits of a position focused on improving the lives of Veterans.

“VA has provided me with tremendous opportunities over my 25-year career. The work is challenging and the rewards are great. More importantly, a career at VA is incredibly satisfying. Your accomplishments provide the chance to improve the lives of the men and women who served to protect our freedom,” she says.

She is also optimistic about the current health care climate, and VA’s unique position to drive change and innovation in the industry.

“It is an incredibly exciting time,” she says. “More and more within VA, there will be career opportunities for health care professionals to be health IT leaders, utilizing technology and collaborating with our IT teams to set the future course for VA’s health care delivery.”

Dr. Frisbee and her colleagues promote innovation at VA.

Thanks to the efforts of Kathleen Frisbee and many other dedicated employees across VA, we are evolving technology to help our Veteran patients live healthier, more adjusted lives. If you want to join our team of game changers, learn more at VAcareers.va.gov!