Director, Research and Quality Improvement 

As the Director of Research and Quality Improvement for the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), you will manage and implement the organization’s research and quality improvement initiatives and related evidence-based medicine activities for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This is an exciting time to join our organization, as your work will have a direct impact on women’s health, clinical practice, and device safety. 

In this role, you will oversee two registries, AUGS Quality Improvement Registry (AQUIRE) and The Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry (PFDR), and serve as our lead to the MDEpiNet Women’s Health Technology Coordinate Registry Network. AQUIRE has been approved by CMS as a Qualified Clinical Data Registry to report data through the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for providers to potentially increase physician reimbursement. As a part of expanding ACQUIRE, we will be transitioning AQUIRE to a new registry platform that is built on a Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) in the next few months. You will direct, plan, and oversee the expansion of AQUIRE, enrolling physicians, practices, and institutions. 

Founded in 1979, AUGS represents more than 1,900 members, including practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and healthcare professionals, and researchers from many disciplines. As the leader in FPMRS, AUGS promotes the highest quality patient care through excellence in education, research, and advocacy. As a member of the organization’s senior management team, you will report to the CEO and be supported by the manager of clinical practice while you work with committees, task forces, staff, and external partners to ensure related program areas successfully address the key organizational priorities. 

Responsibilities of the Director, Research and Quality Improvement

Quality Improvement

• In collaboration with the CEO develop, oversee, and ensure the successful implementation of a nationally recognized quality and performance measurement program for AUGS. As recommended by committees and directed by the board of directors, develop programs and strategies for the implementation of quality outcome measures, policy statements and/or advisories, and quality initiatives.
• In collaboration with the CEO, closely monitor the capacity and volume of potential program expansion and create plans that support the growth.
• Manage and oversee all phases of design, implementation, and production of high quality and relevant quality programs/products in support of member and organization needs. Ensure the quality, accuracy, and relevance of quality program deliverables.
• Represent AUGS on conference calls and at meetings to share development updates on ACQUIRE for MDEpiNet general meetings and meetings related to the Women’s Health Technology Coordinate Registry Network. Actively engage in discussions to continue to expand our relevance in this partnership.
• Participate and help to facilitate productive relationships and partnerships with external organizations (e.g., NQF, PCPI, SQA, CMS, CMSS).

Research

• Oversee and manage the research networks and scientific committee for AUGS.
• Oversee and manage the Pelvic Floor Disorders Research Registry (PFDR) to ensure a timely completion of 522 studies as required by the FDA. Oversee internal data management activities, database setup, and data quality control checks, and generate standard and custom reports for internal and external use. Review project deliverables for quality and adherence to standards and procedures. Ensure ongoing communication with sponsors and sites.
• Maintain clinical research records and related documents.
• Work closely with project principle investigators (PI), steering committees, corporate sponsors, and network participants to ensure the successful, timely, and on budget completion of network projects.
• Establish a very thorough understanding of all projects, with the ability to communicate the purpose, status, and goals to others.
• Manage project budgets and maintain rigorous controls.

Volunteer Leadership Management/Support

• Serve as a staff liaison to the following committees: Scientific Committee, Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry Committee, and AQUIRE Committee. Provide similar support for any project specific work groups or task forces that may be created.

Staff Leadership and Management

• In collaboration with the CEO, develop strategic direction and provide financial management for the Research and Quality Improvement functions.
• Facilitate inter-office teamwork between program areas to ensure achievement of organization/strategic plan objectives.
• Obtain and monitor CMS regulations and policy changes; inform and educate the AUGS team and membership.
• Enhance coordination with registry participants, software vendor, volunteers, and corporate supporters in the process of registry development, implementation, improvement, and reporting in order to support the practice and profession of urogynecology and improve patient outcomes.
• Support the ongoing development and dissemination of research and quality improvement related documents and resources to the membership.