Adolfo Molina, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics, has been selected to serve on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Quality Network (PACCQN) Steering Committee.
The appointment recognizes Molina’s continued leadership in pediatric quality improvement and provides an opportunity to help guide national initiatives aimed at improving care for hospitalized children.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and view it as the culmination of years of incredible mentorship,” said Molina.
Molina credited mentors who encouraged him to pursue leadership opportunities throughout his fellowship and early career. He specifically recognized Susan Walley, M.D., for encouraging him to become involved with the AAP PACC Quality Network, where he progressed from serving as a site leader to a national quality improvement coach and expert task force member. He also thanked Erin Shaughnessy, M.D.,MSHCM, division director in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine for her continued support and commitment to helping faculty pursue meaningful career development opportunities.
“Professionally, this role provides an exciting opportunity to continue growing as a leader in quality improvement while contributing to pediatric care on a national scale,” said Molina.
The AAP PACCQN Steering Committee helps guide the development and implementation of national quality improvement initiatives for children receiving hospital-based care. Committee members work alongside AAP staff and project leaders to provide strategic direction, mentorship and support for quality improvement collaboratives that enable hospitals across the country to share best practices, improve patient outcomes and advance the quality and safety of pediatric care.
As a member of the steering committee, Molina looks forward to representing UAB and Children’s of Alabama while collaborating with pediatric leaders from across the country to improve outcomes for children.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to represent UAB and Children’s of Alabama at the national level while contributing to initiatives that improve care for children across the country,” said Molina.
He also hopes to share successful quality improvement efforts from UAB, particularly in patient experience, health equity and screening for social drivers of health, to help shape future network initiatives.
“I look forward to bringing lessons learned from our local work in patient experience, health equity, and social drivers of health screening to help inform future network projects and expand the ways quality improvement can impact children and families,” said Molina.
Through his service on the AAP PACCQN Steering Committee, Molina will help advance collaborative efforts that strengthen pediatric hospital care nationwide while highlighting UAB Department of Pediatrics’ commitment to innovation, quality improvement and excellence in patient care.