Ruth L. Bush
Personal statement
As the new Associate/ Deputy Director at the Houston Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, I will utilize my senior-level administrative skills, strategic planning, personnel management, undergraduate and graduate educational expertise, and medical knowledge to promote research and the Center. My career over the past decade has focused on medical student and resident education, curricular innovation and implementation. I have served in various medical leadership roles beginning with Program Director for the Vascular Surgery Fellowships at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A & M – Scott & White residencies.
I am board certified in both general and vascular surgery. Toward that end, I developed the ACGME-approved vascular surgery fellowship at the Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas, which is now training its 9th fellow. With Texas A & M College of Medicine, I served as Chair of the Curriculum Committee for 2 years and Chair of the Curriculum Reform Task Force which was responsible for orchestrating a major curricular change which occurred in 2015. I have also served in several Assistant/Associate Dean positions and most recently served as the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs from 2014-2016 in which wasthe primary advisor to the Dean on all academic-related issues. My responsibilities included curriculum oversight, insurance of multi-campus comparability, development of strategies to monitor effectiveness of the curriculum and its delivery, working with the Curriculum Committee to improve the curriculum, and development of innovative curricular tracks that met the College’s strategic plan and mission. While in the Dean’s office, I oversaw a strategic major curricular revision that occurred while we were also experiencing class size expansion (150-200 students) andadditional of regional clinical campuses (3 since 2010). We implemented an 18-month preclinical academic calendar July 2015 (class of 2019) which included better integration of the basic and clinical sciencesand contextual synthesis via case-based learning and early clinical exposure to patients. In my concurrent role as Regional Vice Dean, I also oversaw the transition to a longitudinal integrated 3rd year curriculum (from a traditional clerkship model) on the Bryan-College Station campus following its pilot year.
Additionally, while at Texas A & M, Scott & White Hospital, and the Central Texas VA since 2007, I have continued research and scholarly activity in women’s vascular health, venous disease, and global health.My goals in my new position at IQuEst are to provide administrative and research leadership to promote young investigator careers and support experienced investigators. I will work with the Director on identifying collaborative projects and developing strategic plans as well as identify personal collaborations and educational opportunities in which I can impact.
- General Biographical Information
A. Personal
1.Ruth L. Bush, M.D., J.D., M.P.H.
2.USA
B.Education (include institution/location, degree, and dates of attendance)
- Undergraduate Education
Cornell University1988
Ithaca, NY
A.B. with Distinction in all Subjects
- Medical Education
University of North Carolina School of Medicine1992
Chapel Hill, NC
Doctor of Medicine with Honors
- Post-Graduate Training
- General Surgery Resident1992-1999
University of California, Davis, Medical Center
Sacramento, CA
- Vascular Surgery Research Resident1995-1997
University of California, Davis, Medical Center
Sacramento, CA
- Vascular Surgery Fellow1999-2001
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta, GA
- Other Post-Graduate Training
- University of North Carolina School of Public Health2005
Chapel Hill, NC
Masters Degree in Public Health
- Taft Law School2013
Santa Ana, CA
Juris Doctorate (summa cum laude)
C.Academic Appointments (include institution, title and dates of appointment)
1.Current Faculty Position(s)
Deputy Director12/2016-present
Section of Health Services Research
Center for Innovation in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Houston, TX
2.Previous Faculty Position(s) at Other Institutions
Professor (tenured)5/2011-12/2016
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Department of Surgery
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs08/2014-11/2016
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
Regional Campus Vice Dean08/2014-11/2016
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Bryan/ College Station Campus, Bryan, TX
Adjunct Professor11/2009-10/2016
Texas A & M School of Rural Public Health, College Station, TX
Interim Chair, Department of Humanities04/2015-12/2015
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
Staff Vascular Surgeon7/2013-12/2016
Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center, Temple, TX
Interim Regional Campus Vice Dean07/2013-08/2014
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Bryan/ College Station Campus, Bryan, TX
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs09/2012-06/2013
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Round Rock Campus, Round Rock, TX
Associate Dean for Education7/2010-8/2012
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Temple Campus
Senior Vice-President for Education, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX
Designated Institutional Office (ACGME)3/2009-8/2012
Scott & White Hospital (Texas A & M affiliated programs), Temple, TX
Chief, Vascular Surgery1/2008-6/2013
Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center, Temple, TX
Staff Vascular Surgeon 3/ 2007-9/2012
Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX
Associate Professor (tenured)3/2007-5/2011
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Temple, TX
Assistant Dean and Director, Graduate Medical Education3/2009-7/2010
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Temple, TX
Associate Professor (tenured)3/2006-2/2007
Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy
Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Assistant Professor (tenure track)12/2002-3/2006
Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy
Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Physician Researcher/Investigator12/2002-4/2006
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Houston, TX
3.Current Courtesy Faculty Appointments at Other Institutions
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center2012-2015
Round Rock, TX
D.Other advanced training/experience (include locations, dates and sources of support)
1.Formal Sabbatical Leave: None
2.Other Specialized Training Following Academic Appointment
Proctor/ consultant, LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.2013-2014
Proctor/consultant, VNUS Medical (Covidien), Inc.2008-2014
Proctor/consultant, InaVein, LLC.2008-2013
Proctor/ consultant, Endologix, Inc.2006-2010
W.L. Gore TAG Training Course, Houston, TX2006
Abbott Inc., Proctor/consultant (carotid stenting)2006
Guidant Carotid Stent Training Course, instructor, Houston, TX2005
Laparoscopic Vascular Course, Quebec City, Montreal, Canada2005
3. Professional Development Programs
Modeling Excellence in Teaching Program, Level 1. Texas A & M College of Medicine, 2014-15
AAMC GME Leadership Development Course, Part III: Advanced GME Topics and Leadership Skills, April 2011
Scott & White Executive Education Program, July 2010-June 2011
Harvard Macy Institute:Leading Innovations in Health Care & Education, June 2010
- invited teaching faculty
AAMC GME Leadership Development Course, Part II: Advanced GME Topics and Leadership Skills, September 2010
Harvard Macy Institute:Leading Innovations in Health Care & Education, June 2009
E.Other information
1.Honors or Awards (titles, dates)
American Venous Forum, Distinguished Fellow, 2015
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Outstanding Faculty Award, 2015
Honored by the Class of 2015 for dedication to education and mentorship
Texas A & M College of Medicine, Outstanding Faculty Award, 2014
Honored by the Class of 2014 for dedication to education and mentorship
Society for Vascular Surgery Presidential Citation, 2014
Journal of Vascular Surgery, Distinguished Reviewer, 2013
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Certificate of Appreciation, 2013
America’s Top Surgeons, 2008
Society for Vascular Surgery, Distinguished Fellow, 2007
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (Baylor College of Medicine), 2004
Elected best surgeon teaching faculty by the graduating vascular fellows
American Venous Foundation Research Award, 2004
Department of Veteran Affairs Special Contribution Award (Houston VAMC), 2005
Department of Veteran Affairs Special Contribution Award (Houston VAMC), 2004
Department of Veteran Affairs Special Contribution Award (Houston VAMC), 2003
Alpha Omega Alpha, 1997
Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Award, University of NC, 1992
UNC Merit Award (awarded to upper 15% of class), 1991
2.Board Eligibility/Certification
American Board of Surgery, Vascular Surgery certification, no. 1012612003
Recertification: 10/2012
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RVT), no.102857(inactive) 2003
Medical License, State of Texas, no. L68102003
Medical License, State of Florida (inactive)2002
American Board of Surgery, General Surgery certification, no. 458122001
Recertification: 12/2009
Medical License, State of Georgia (inactive)1999
Medical License, State of California (inactive)1992
National Board of Medical Examiners, no. 4228001991
3.Other Non-academic Positions
Cardiac, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Center7/2001-12/2002
Tallahassee, FL
II. Research Information
- Research Support
- Current: NIBIB Phase II SBIR (R44)
- Title: "Shape Memory Polymer Foam Vascular Occlusion Device for the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency"
- Funding Agency: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: R44EB022016
- Vascular Surgery Consultant (PI-Todd Landsman, Ph.D.)
- September 2016-present
- Total Direct Cost: $1,162,700
- Previous: NIBIB Phase I SBIR (R43)
- Title: "Shape Memory Polymer Foam Vascular Occlusion Device for the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency"
- Funding Agency: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: R43EB022016
- Vascular Surgery Consultant (PI-Todd Landsman, PhD)
- September 2015 - July 2016
- Total Direct Cost: $25,000
- Previous: Society for Vascular Surgery Women’s Leadership Training Grant
- Title: “Development of a Women’s Leadership Advisory Council based on a Conceptual Framework of Key Features of Maintenance and Sustainability on Women’s Leadership”
- Funding Agency: Society for Vascular Surgery
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Principal Investigator
- June 2012 – June 2013
- Total Direct Cost: $5,000
- Previous: Scott and White Memorial Hospital
- Title: “Development and Evaluation of Standardized Patient Methodology for Professionalism Assessment within Organizational and Contextual-based Encounters”
- Funding Agency: Scott and White Memorial Hospital
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Co-Project Manager
- February 2011 – August 2012
- Total Direct Cost: $62,000
- Previous: VHA, Office of Rural Health
- Title: “Evaluation of Longitudinal Changes in Chronic Healthcare Utilization”
- Funding Agency: Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: ePromise #0003
- Role: Principal Investigator
- August 2008 – September 2009
- Total Direct Cost: $238,000 (includes $80,000 local VA funding)
- Previous: Scott and White Memorial Hospital
- Title: “Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Asymptomatic Women”
- Funding Agency: Scott and White Memorial Hospital
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Principal Investigator
- May 2008 – September 2009
- Total Direct Cost: $36,585
- Previous: NIH K12
- Title: “Peripheral vascular disease in women”
- Funding Agency: NIH
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: K12HD001426
- Role: Mentored Recipient (PI – Joe Leigh Simpson, MD)
- August 2004 – July 2006
- Annual Direct Cost: $100,000
- Previous: Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies
- Title:“Role of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in reducing surgical morbidity and mortality”
- Funding Agency: Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Principal Investigator
- 2004 – 2005
- Total Direct Cost: $13,659 (local VA funding)
- Previous: Michael E. DeBakey VAMC
- Title: “Incidence, processes of care, and outcome of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among veterans at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)”
- Funding Agency: Michael E. DeBakey VAMC
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Principal Investigator
- 2003 – 2004
- Total Direct Cost: $10,000 (local VA funding)
- Previous: Merck and Co., Inc.
- Title: “A pilot study of the efficacy of losartan on walking distances in patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease”
- Funding Agency: Merck and Co., Inc.
- Research Grant
- Grant Number: N/A
- Role: Co-Investigator (PI – Elliot Chaikof, MD, PhD)
- 1999 – 2000
- Total Direct Cost: $50,000
- National Scientific Participation
1. Journal Editorial Boards
Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health2016-present (Assoc. Editor)
Journal of Vascular Surgery, Venous and Lymphatics2016-present
Journal of Vascular Surgery, Cases2016-present
Women, Identities, and Culture2014-present
Annals of Vascular Surgery2014-present
World Journal of Surgery2008-present
Journal of Vascular Surgery2007-2012, 2015-present
Journal of Endovascular Therapy2006-2016
Yearbook of Vascular Surgery2012-2014 (Assist. Editor)
Perspectives in Vascular Surgery2013-2014
- Reviewer for
American Journal of Surgery
Annals of Vascular Surgery
Case Reports in Medicine
JAMA Surgery (formerly Archives of Surgery)
Circulation
Healthcare (open access journal)
Journal of the American Heart Association
Journal of Surgical Research
Vascular Journal
- Review Panels
None
- Professional Societies
American Association of Medical Schools
2015-1016 SGEA Planning Committee
2009-2012 Group on Resident Affairs
2007-2009 Council of Academic Societies
American Board of Surgery
2009, Writing consultant for the VSITE, VESAP
American Medical Association
Alpha Omega Alpha
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (inactive)
American Venous Forum
2015 – 2016 International Relations Committee
2015, Past-chair
2008, Credentialing Committee
Association for Academic Surgery
2007- 2010 Representative to the AAMC Council of Academic Societies
2005-2007 Program Committee
Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (inactive)
2007-2009 Curriculum Committee
Association of VA Surgeons (inactive)
Association of Women Surgeons
2015, Ad-hoc Finance Task Force
2006-2007 Career Development Committee
International Society of Endovascular Specialists
Texas Medical Association
2014-present Council on Medical Education
Texas Vascular Surgery Society
2008-2009 Ad-hoc Membership Committee
2007-2009 Representative to the ACS Board of Governors
2002-2007 Industry Partner Chairman
- Elected (and appointed) Positions, etc.
American Board of Surgery
2010- Chair, Vascular Surgery In-training Exam (VSITE) Committee
2009, 2011, 2014- Vascular surgery oral examiner
American College of Surgeons, Fellow
2015-present ACS Foundation Board of Directors
2013-present ACS Foundation/ CFR Committee
2007-2009 Board of Governors
2008-2010 Committee on Socioeconomic Issues
American Venous Forum
2016-present Chair, Education Council
2014 – 2016Archivist
2014 – 2016 Board of Directors
2012-2014 National Venous Screening Committee
2013Chair
2010- 2014 Membership Committee
2014 Chair
2013Chair-elect
Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (inactive)
2013-2015Program Committee
2010-2011 Chair, Membership Committee
2008-2010 Membership Committee
Society of University Surgeons
2013-2016 Social Legislative and Issues Committee
Society for Vascular Surgery
2015-presentDocument Oversight Committee
2013-2014Chair, Leadership Development Committee
2010-2013Board of Directors
2010-2013Chair, Clinical Practice Council
2007-2010Clinical Practice Council
2006-2010Outcomes Steering Committee
2006-2010Health Policy Committee
2006-2010Women’s Leadership Committee
2006-2008Reporting Standards Committee on Lower Extremity Interventions
2006- 2008 Practice Guidelines Committee for Carotid Artery Disease Management
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society (formerly Peripheral Vascular Surgical Society)
2013-presentBoard of Directors, Foundation for Vascular Innovation
2013-2015Nominating Committee
2012-2013President
2011-2012 President-elect
2008-2011 Secretary
2007 Spring Meeting Program Committee
2003 Winter Meeting Program Committee
- Invited Lectures, Presentations, Research Seminars
- "Endovascular repair of arterial lesions". Surgery Grand Rounds, UC Davis Medical Center, January 1998.
- "Arterial thromboembolism and thrombolysis". Surgery Grand Rounds, UC Davis Medical Center, December. 1998.
- "Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms". Surgery Grand Rounds, Emory University Hospital, June 2000.
- "Arterial wall biology". Vascular Surgery Basic Science Conference, Emory University Hospital, July 2000.
- "Endovascular stents". Vascular Surgery Basic Science Conference, Emory University Hospital, September 2000.
- “Arterial thombosis and thrombolysis”. Vascular Surgery Basic Science Conference, Emory University Hospital, October 2000.
- “Thrombosis and thromboembolism”. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, August 2001.
- “Endovascular therapy”. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, August 2001.
- “Endovascular therapy”. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Nursing Continuing Education Series, September 2001.
- “Repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms”. Governor’s Club, Tallahassee, FL, March 2002.
- “Peripheral Endovascular Interventions”. Grand Rounds, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Tallahassee, FL, April 2002.
- “Peripheral Endovascular Interventions”. Grand Rounds, Colquitt Memorial Hospital, Moultrie GA, May 2002.
- “Aortic Aneurysms”. Family practice residency lecture series, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, May 2002.
- “Carotid Revascularization: Are We Really Making Progress?”. Peripheral Interventions Conference, Yale University Hospital, July 2002.
- “Go with the Flow: Therapeutic Options for Thrombus Management. Baylor College of Medicine, Surgery Grand Rounds, January 2003.
- “Anti-thrombotic therapy for venous thrombosis: a surgeon’s perspective”. Michael E. DeBakey VA, Medicine Grand Rounds, March 2003.
- “Central Venous Occlusion-The Emerging Epidemic: Options for Management”. Current Trends in Cardiothoracic Surgery Conference, Baylor College of Medicine, March 2003.
- “Management of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm”. Cardiology Weekly Conference, Houston, VAMC, April 2003.
- “Carotid Artery Stenting in a Community Setting: It Is Possible?”. Postgraduate Course, Society of Vascular Surgery, Chicago, IL, June 2003.
- “Central Venous Occlusion: Options in Management”. Genentech, Inc. invited speaker. Chicago, IL, June 2003.
- “Why I Chose Surgery?”. Caring Friend Volunteers, Methodist Hospital, July 2003.
- “Carotid Occlusive Disease”. Cardiovascular Center of Excellence. Michael E. DeBakey VA, October 2003.
- “Alternative Access Options: Above and Beyond the AV Graft”. Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, Rancho Mirage, CA, March 2004.
- “New Treatment Modalities for Deep Venous Thrombosis”. Cardiovascular Center of Excellence. Michael E. DeBakey VAMC, Houston, TX, March 2003.
- “Women and peripheral vascular disease”. Michael DeBakey Heart Center, Houston, TX, April 2004.
- “Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy with adjunctive thrombolysis for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis”. Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society, Houston, TX, May 2004.
- “Project Management”. Baylor residency leadership lecture series. Houston, TX, May 2004.
- “Carotid angiography and anatomy”. Endovascular Postgraduate Course, Society for Vascular Surgery, Anaheim, CA, June 2004.
- “The use of rapid foot and calf compression to increase walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication”. VEITH Symposium, New York, NY, November 2004.
- “Chemical thrombolysis for treatment of DVT”. American Venous Forum, San Diego, CA, February 2005.
- “Thrombosis prophylaxis for DVT”. American Venous Forum, San Diego, CA, February 2005.
- “Minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids: a collaborative approach”. Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds, Baylor College of Medicine, March 2005.
- “Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in VA Hospitals”. Michael E. DeBakey VA Research Day, Houston, TX, March 2005.
- “Anatomy of intracranial circulation”. Postgraduate Endovascular Symposium, Society for Vascular Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, June 2006.
- “Angioplasty for infrainguinal revascularization in diabetics: the first choice of therapy.” Society for Vascular Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, June 2006.
- “Carotid Disease and Treatment”. Corpus Christi AngioClub, Corpus Christi, TX, November 2006.
- “Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: The Changing Standard of Care”. University of Texas, Houston Department of Surgery Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, Jan 2007.
- “Post-approval Carotid Stenting in the Community: Beyond Capture”. Total Endovascular Carotid Conference, Houston, TX, March 2007
- Non-invasive Imaging of Venous Disease”. Current Concepts in Cardiovascular Disease Conference, Houston, TX, April 2007.
- “Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Changing Standard of Care?” Omaha Vascular Society, Omaha, NE, April 2007.
- “Credentialing and Institutional Issues for Carotid Stenting”. Society of Vascular Surgery Postgraduate Course, Baltimore, MD, June 2007.
- “Ultrasound Substitution for Cross-sectional Studies”. Society of Vascular Surgery Postgraduate Course, Baltimore, MD, June 2007.
- “Aneurysms, Outcomes, and the Federal Government”. General Surgery Grand Rounds, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, April 2008.
- “Access too Deep: How can it be Transformed into a Functional Access”. Society of Vascular Surgery Postgraduate Course, San Diego, CA, June 2008.
- “Job Options in Vascular Surgery”. Society of Vascular Surgery Resident Program, San Diego, CA, June 2008.
- “Management of Venous Disease”. Scott & White Podiatry Symposium, Bastrop, TX, July 2008.
- “The Role of SVS Volunteers in the Current Military Conflict”.