Research News
March 2, 2007
Dr. Douglas Owens Receives 2007 Under Secretary's Award for
Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research
Acting Under Secretary for Health Michael J. Kussman, MD, MS, MACP, and Douglas Owens, MD, MS
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Douglas Owens, MD, MS received the 2007 Under Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research at the recent 25th National Meeting of VA's Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D). This award recognizes a VA researcher whose work has led to major improvements in the quality of veterans' health care, has made key contributions to the future of health services research through excellence in training and mentorship, and has enhanced the visibility and reputation of VA research through national leadership. Dr. Owens is an influential health services researcher and an exceptional mentor and leader, thus exemplifying the qualities the Award represents.
Much of Dr. Owens's research has focused on HIV and sudden cardiac death, and he was the recipient of two HSR&D Career Development Awards in these areas. His research helped determine that routine HIV screening in health care settings is cost-effective, even in relatively low-prevalence populations. Results of this research played an important role in a revision of HIV screening recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He also has conducted important research on the methodology of guideline development, and in the areas of biodefense and bioterrorism.
Dr. Owens has mentored more than 45 trainees and has served as a consultant for national and international healthcare agencies. He also is a prolific author with nearly 130 publications. In addition to his outstanding contributions to health services research, Dr. Owens has been a staff physician with the Ambulatory Care Department of the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA for more than 20 years.