Health Services Research addresses important issues about access to health care, quality and cost, and utilization of health services. This multidisciplinary field of research studies how social factors, financing systems, technologies, organizational structures and processes, and personal behaviors contribute to health and well-being. Research studies often include patients, clinicians, policymakers and the community to innovate and inform health care. Many researchers explore why-if guidelines exist, or interventions were implemented—the problem still exists. Health services research fills the key gap between cures and care.
- Health Services Journal Club
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The SMHS Health Services Journal Club meets monthly on fourth Wednesdays, 4-5 PM, in Ross Hall Room 643 (exceptions: November meeting will be Nov. 19, December meeting will be Dec. 17, May meeting will be May 20). Keep up with the latest GW research and find new ways to translate knowledge to enhance your clinical practice. Your in-person attendance is highly encouraged.
All are welcome! Come join your colleagues for a lively discussion on today’s most compelling topics.
October 2025:
Where:
Oct. 22, 2025, 4-5 p.m., Ross Hall Room 643 or virtually at https://gwu-edu.zoom.us/j/92698131182?pwd=YqgBRVraRuUZ3sNeRj2xks6TazsOSo.1Speaker(s):
Janice Blanchard, MD, PhD
Chief, Section of Health Policy
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Professor of Health Policy and ManagementContact:
Samar Nasser, PhD, MPH, PA-C
snasser [at] gwu [dot] edu (snasser[at]gwu[dot]edu)
- Introduction to Health Services Research Course
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Registration is now open for the Introduction to Health Services Research course!
This comprehensive program is designed for clinicians and healthcare professionals who are eager to develop the foundational skills needed to engage in health services research (HSR). Whether you're just beginning your research journey or looking to expand your expertise, this course offers the tools and insights to help you succeed.
Course dates
Opens: Oct. 20, 2025
Closes: Dec. 19, 2025What You'll Learn
Over the course of eight dynamic lessons, you’ll explore:
- Conceptual models in a learning health system
- Designing a research trajectory
- Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches
- Community-based research strategies
- Ethical considerations in HSR
- Leveraging big data and EMRs
- Funding mechanisms and grant writing
- Dissemination of research findings
CE Credit Opportunity
Learners who complete this course can earn up to 12.00 CE credits.
Who Should Enroll
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, rehabilitation specialists, public health experts, researchers, students, and community members interested in health services research.
To Register
Visit the course page. Access Code Required to Register: HSRResearch
- If you already have a GW EthosCE Learner Account, click Login.
- If you do not have an account, select Create Account in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
- Complete all required profile fields (marked with a red asterisk).
- Select Create New Account when complete.
Questions? Contact: Leslie Davidson, PhD, ldavidson [at] gwu [dot] edu (ldavidson[at]gwu[dot]edu)
- Health Services Resources
- Journal Club Previous articles
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October 2025:
Access recording here
Speaker(s):
Janice Blanchard, MD, PhD
Chief, Section of Health Policy
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Professor of Health Policy and Management
September 2025:
Access recording here
Speaker(s):
Jillian S. Catalanotti, MD, MPH, FACP
Associate Dean for Clinical Public Health & Population Health Practice
Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and of Health Policy & Management
May 2025:
Speaker(s):
Paige McDonald, EdD
Associate Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership
Vice Chair in the Clinical Research and Leadership DepartmentLeslie Davidson, PhD
Associate Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership; Associate Professor of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences (Secondary)
Chair, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership
April 2025:
Selected Paper:
Hiser SL, Casey K, Nydahl P, Hodgson CL, Needham DM. Intensive care unit acquired weakness and physical rehabilitation in the ICU. BMJ. 2025 Jan 27;388:e077292. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077292. PMID: 39870417.Speaker(s):
Stephanie Hiser, PT, DPT, PhD, Assistant Professor
Department of Health, Human Function & Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
March 2025:
Speaker(s):
William Borden, MD, FACC, FAHA
Professor of Medicine and Health Policy, GW SMHS
Chief Quality and Population Health Officer at GW Medical Faculty Associates
February 2025:
Speakers:
Qing Zeng, PhD
Director of Biomedical Informatics Center, Professor, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, GW SMHSStuart Nelson, MD
Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, GW SMHS
January 2025:
Speaker:
Sabrina Figueiredo, PhD
Program Director for Health Care Quality, Assistant Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
December 2024:
Speaker:
Brandon A. Kohrt, MD, PhD
Charles and Sonia Akman Professor of Global Psychiatry, Director of the Center for Global Mental Health Equity
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
November 2024:
Selected Paper:
"Initial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physician Assistant Education." J Physician Assist Educ. 2022 Jun 1;33(2):78-86.Speaker:
Mary Warner, DBH, PA-C
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
October 2024:
Speaker:
Colton Hood, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
September 2024:
Selected Paper:
Overcoming structural barriers to diffusion of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxisSpeaker:
Manya Magnus, M.P.H., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Epidemiology
Milken Institute School of Public Health