Our Team

The AAMC Research and Action Institute brings together leaders from the nation’s medical schools, teaching hospitals, and research institutions and leverages the expertise of the AAMC, its members, policy experts, and scholars.

Research and Action Institute Staff

Atul Grover, MD, PhD, Executive Director, AAMC Research and Action Institute

Atul Grover, MD, PhD, leads the AAMC Research and Action Institute to convene experts to examine issues affecting American health care.

Andi Kezh, Communications and Policy Specialist, AAMC Research and Action Institute

Andi Kezh brings clear, creative, and audience-driven strategies to communications and research content for the AAMC Research and Action Institute.

Kendal Orgera, MPH, MPP, Senior Research Analyst, AAMC Research and Action Institute

Kendal Orgera is passionate about bringing data into all policy discussions and manages and conducts data analyses for the AAMC Research and Action Institute.

Laura Pincus, MHA, Manager, Strategy and Planning, AAMC Research and Action Institute

Laura Pincus manages the AAMC Research and Action Institute’s strategic planning and operations.

Contributors

Brooke Bergen, Director of Public Relations and Member Communications, AAMC

Brooke Bergen leads communications strategy and message development for the AAMC Research and Action Institute.

Theresa Dreyer, MPH, former Manager, Value Based Care, AAMC

Theresa Dreyer previously led the AAMC Value Based Care team to help teaching hospitals and health systems improve quality and reduce costs for patients.

Gaetano Forte, MS, Assistant Director, Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Albany, SUNY; AAMC Research and Action Institute Inaugural Fellow in Residence

Gaetano Forte has extensive experience in the development and use of workforce models and policy implications for the health care workforce.

Stuart Heiser, MPP, Senior Media Relations Specialist, AAMC

Stuart Heiser supports communications activities and media relations for the AAMC Research and Action Institute.

Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, Associate Professor Washington University School of Medicine and Brown School of Social Work Co-Director, Center for Advancing Health Services, Policy, and Economics Research Washington University in St. Louis

Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, has expertise in quality and outcomes measurement, value-based and alternative payment models, and health equity.

Lisa Ramirez, PhD, ABPP, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the MetroHealth System

Lisa Ramirez is a board-certified child and adolescent psychologist with expertise in behavioral health integration.

Gabrielle Redford, Editorial Director, AAMC

Gabrielle Redford provides editorial guidance and is passionate about ensuring that even complex health care topics are accessible to a wide audience.

Victoria Rivas-Vazquez, JD, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, AAMC

Victoria Rivas-Vazquez directs the overall communications strategy for the AAMC Research and Action Institute.