Erin Fraher, PhD, MPP, gave the inaugural Peter Curtis, MD, Lecture to the UNC Faculty Development Fellowship on Friday, June 7th. Entitled “Harnessing the Friction to Influence Policy: The Power of Research Questions that Emerge from the Clinic,” Dr. Fraher’s presentation challenged fellows to follow their passion, ignite their curiosity, and gather data from the clinic that can be used to inform policy.
Fraher is a Professor in our Department and is the Director of the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research Program on Health Workforce and Research Policy. She is an expert in research on the training, regulation, and payment of the nation’s health workforce. Her work has been used by state and federal policymakers in their efforts to address workforce shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Fraher is often called upon to brief White House, Congressional, and Senate staff and members, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state governors, state legislatures, health systems, and other public and private sector leaders on a wide range of emerging health workforce topics.
Peter Curtis, MD, was a faculty member who served as Director of the UNC Faculty Development Fellowship from 1993-2002. His work in promoting research and education impacted the lives of many current leaders in medicine.