Abby Dotson, Ph.D.

Abby Dotson, Ph.D., is an accomplished academic and healthcare leader currently serving as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) since June 2024. In addition to her academic role, she is the Executive Director of the National POLST Collaborative and the Director of the Oregon POLST Registry, where she focuses on enhancing end-of-life planning through technology and policy development.

Education and Career Background

• Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Kansas (2012).
• Completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Kansas and OHSU.
• Held various research and teaching positions at OHSU, including Research Assistant Professor prior to her current role.

Research Focus

Dr. Dotson's research primarily centers on:

• End-of-life planning technology: Developing digital tools to facilitate advance care planning.
• Healthcare policy: Advocating for best practices in serious illness care.
• Data-driven outcomes: Utilizing research to inform healthcare policies and improve patient care.

Contributions

• Spearheaded advancements in the Oregon POLST Registry, including the development of a statewide digital health platform that improves access to portable medical orders for healthcare providers.
• Authored several peer-reviewed publications addressing topics such as social determinants of health and resource utilization among older adults requiring emergency services.

Honors

In 2024, she received the OHSU School of Medicine Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement, recognizing her significant contributions to emergency medicine and healthcare innovation.

Dr. Dotson's work exemplifies a commitment to improving patient care through innovative solutions in emergency medicine and palliative care, making her a prominent figure in her field.1234