SUMMARY
Colin P. West, M.D., Ph.D., is a quantitative health sciences researcher whose work focuses primarily on physician well-being, evidence-based medicine and biostatistics, and medical education.
Dr. West collaborates extensively with scientists and groups both outside and within Mayo Clinic. External collaborations include members of leadership in the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, among others.
Results of research conducted by Dr. West and his team have been published in multiple top-tier journals, including the Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, Annals of Internal Medicine, and JAMA Internal Medicine.
Focus areas
- Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Well-Being Study. Dr. West co-founded the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Well-Being Study (Mayo IMWELL Study). Initiated in 2003, this prospective longitudinal study examines quality of life, burnout, empathy and other markers of personal well-being of Mayo Clinic internal medicine residents.
- Program on Physician Well-Being. Dr. West directs the Program on Physician Well-Being at Mayo Clinic. The program has published numerous reports about well-being and distress among medical students, residents and practicing physicians, focusing on both epidemiology and solutions.
- Medical education. Dr. West has developed and evaluated a comprehensive evidence-based medicine curriculum for the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. In addition, he has completed several projects involving internal medicine resident career plans, current education climate and well-being using the national Internal Medicine In-Training Examination.
Significance to patient care
Dr. West's research aims to improve patient care by promoting physician well-being and reducing physician distress. Healthier physicians can provide better care and communicate more effectively. By understanding the factors that contribute to both well-being and distress, Dr. West hopes to improve health care delivery. In addition, Dr. West's studies of medical education inform national policy decisions influencing physician training, which then directly impacts the health care system and patient care.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator, 2020
- Clinician Education Investigator Award, Mayo Clinic, 2018-present
- Associate/deputy editor, Academic Medicine, 2013-present
- Education Research Achievement Award, Mayo Clinic Department of Medicine, 2013
- Deputy editor, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2008-2013
- Landmark Contribution to the Literature Award, Mayo Clinic Department of Medicine, 2012