Carlos A. Estrada, M.D., M.S., will begin the role of Associate Provost for Interprofessional Education and Director of the Center for Interprofessional Education and Simulation (CIPES) on January 2, 2017.The Center for Interprofessional Education and Simulation (CIPES) is a multi-disciplinary entity where learners from the health schools and health-related programs enhance their educational experiences to deliver safe and efficient patient-centered care. CIPES was established in June 2015 to encompass and support the work occurring in the Office of Interprofessional Simulation for Innovative Clinical Practice (OIPS) and the Office for Interprofessional Curriculum (OIPC). As of October 1, 2016, the Office of Standardized Patient Education (OSPE) was formed within CIPES to focus on improving the standardized patient methodology for students and practitioners at UAB.
With 25 years of experience in academic medical centers, Estrada said, “I look forward to serving in this role and continuing to advance CIPES’ collaborative efforts of joint curriculum development and interprofessional instruction. This type of environment provides students and professionals with experience that models real-world practice.”
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Estrada. He will be charged with developing a new strategic plan as well as developing consistent instruction techniques across the schools,” said Provost Linda Lucas. Estrada will be building upon the impressive work of founding CIPES Director, Robert Rich, M.D., who retires in December. Lucas said, “Dr. Rich’s leadership has been instrumental in integrating simulation-based techniques into training and curricula. His dedication to interprofessional education has supported improvement in health care delivery.”
Rich reflects on his role as CIPES Director, “It has been an extraordinary privilege and honor for me to serve as CIPES Director since its establishment by the UA System Board of Trustees, allowing me to develop important new relationships with leaders and practitioners in interprofessional education and simulation across the university and health system. As we begin a new fiscal year, I am especially pleased to welcome and work in transition with an outstanding successor, Carlos Estrada.”
Estrada currently serves as Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at UAB. Additionally, he is Chief of the Section of General Internal Medicine at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center and co-directs the VA Quality Scholar (VAQS) Fellowship Program, a two-year interprofessional post-graduate education program.
Estrada received his medical degree from Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru. He completed his internship, residency, Chief Medical Residency, and fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Estrada earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is married to Jennie Andresen and has two children, Sandra and Nicole.