WASHINGTON — Dr. James P. Bagian, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Patient Safety, has been honored by the American Medical Association for the advancement of public health by a federal government executive.
He received the Dr. Nathan Davis Award, named after the founding father of the AMA. It recognizes elected and career officials in federal, state or municipal sectors for promoting medicine and the betterment of public health.
“Dr. Bagian is one of the major forces for patient safety in VA and throughout the entire health care industry,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “He has helped create a culture of safety within VA by emphasizing prevention rather than punishment.”
Chosen as the first director of VA’s patient safety center in 1998, Bagian has drawn upon an extensive background that includes service as a NASA astronaut, engineer and physician. He has launched a comprehensive, nationwide program reducing adverse medical events throughout the VA health care system.
VA’s National Patient Safety Center is located in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Past recipients of the AMA award have included former Sen. Bob Dole, Sen. John McCain, former VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Ken Kizer, and former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.
The Davis awards were presented July 17 in Washington, D.C.
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