Recognized Patient Safety Leaders 2025

Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet, MD MS CHSE CPC ELI-MP FCCM is a critical care and emergency physician, professor, and certified executive coach working at the intersection of healthcare leadership, clinician wellbeing, and innovation. With more than 20 years of experience in academic medicine, she serves as Professor of Critical Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and practices clinically as an intensivist at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Dr. Emlet is the founder of Transforming Healthcare Coaching®, an executive coaching and leadership development firm supporting physicians, healthcare executives, and high-performing clinical teams in navigating complexity, stress, and organizational change. Her work is grounded in evidence-based leadership development, emotional intelligence, and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), helping leaders strengthen decision-making, communication, and resilience in high-stakes environments. Through individual executive coaching and systemic team coaching, Dr. Emlet partners with organizations to build aligned, psychologically safe, high-trust teams capable of sustained performance and cultural transformation. Her expertise spans team dynamics, simulation-based education, and leadership under pressure—bringing a rare combination of frontline clinical credibility and strategic coaching insight. In addition to her work in healthcare leadership, Dr. Emlet is passionate about advising healthcare technology, AI, and startup teams seeking clinical expertise, market-informed perspective, and mission-aligned guidance. She supports innovators building solutions that meaningfully improve the lives of clinicians, patients, and care systems. Dr. Emlet is a proud Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, a member of the International Coaching Federation, and host of the Transforming Healthcare Coaching Podcast. Her guiding belief is simple: healthcare transforms when leaders are supported to thrive—and when teams are empowered to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

*Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician (ABFM) with 14+ years clinical experience (based in Chicago, IL) *Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024, 2025) *Medical Media Commentator seen on/in ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, WGN 9, The Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun Times, and Everyday Health; including a nationwide 25 interview satellite media tour (TV & radio, November 2025) *Premedical Student Mentor, Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program Dr. Rene is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) with 14+ years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for Medicare-eligible patients at Oak Street Health's Avalon Park location in Chicago, specializing in chronic disease management, preventive care, healthcare equity, and access for underserved communities. After overcoming 50 medical school rejections, Dr. Rene graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago. She developed the L.Y.M.I.T.S. Method—a framework for transforming limitations into your greatest strengths. She mentors aspiring physicians through the Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program. Dr. Rene has appeared as a medical expert on ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, and WGN 9 Chicago and recently completed a 25-interview national satellite media tour. She is available for expert commentary on resilience in healthcare, medical education equity, resilience and overcoming failure, healthcare access for underserved populations, and diversity in medicine.

Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli (“Dr Garbelli”) is a UK-based physician, healthcare strategist and MedTech advisor focused on assisting healthcare leaders and organisations adopt, navigate, and implement AI/robotics and healthcare automation safely, ethically and at scale. Working at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and executive decision-making, he supports boards, executive teams and MedTech leaders to turn innovation into measurable improvements in patient outcomes, workforce sustainability and operational performance. Dr Garbelli is the creator of the Healthcare Convergence Framework™ (HCF), a practical approach that helps organisations assess AI/Robotics readiness, align leadership priorities and design future-ready care pathways without disrupting frontline delivery. His work typically spans AI and robotics strategy, governance and risk management, clinical adoption and change leadership—ensuring that new technologies strengthen trust, accountability and safety in real-world conditions. As a keynote speaker and author, Dr Garbelli translates complex topics such as AI governance, clinical safety, ethics and system transformation into clear, actionable insights for senior audiences. He is the author of The Doctor’s Future and The Doctor’s Voice, and contributes thought leadership on how medicine is being reshaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies. Known for a pragmatic, clinician-led perspective, Dr Garbelli helps leaders navigate high-stakes decisions such as build-versus-buy, pilot design, evaluation and scaling across multiple sites. His mission is to purposefully transform the future of medicine—one organisation, strategy and physician at a time—with confidence.

J.P. Gaston is a senior innovation leader, organizational change expert, and certified coach with over 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, telecommunications, and large-scale public systems. His work has included leading pediatric workforce strategy across five hospitals in Calgary, directing technology operations across Western Canada, and driving national digital and workforce transformation initiatives for organizations with teams of up to 10,000 employees. His expertise sits at the intersection of people, process, and technology—helping organizations modernize operations, adopt emerging tools (including AI and automation), and build leadership capacity without eroding trust, morale, or psychological safety. J.P. is frequently sought for clear, practical commentary on healthcare innovation, workforce shortages, leadership under pressure, organizational resistance to change, and human-centered transformation. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR – in progress), Change Management Specialist, Workplace Mental Health Leadership, and Mental Health First Aid, and has completed ICF-accredited coach training. J.P.’s work has been featured in Forbes and other business and leadership publications, and he has received multiple nominations and awards for leadership, innovation, and service excellence. Journalists value his ability to translate complex systems, emerging trends, and organizational psychology into grounded, quotable insights for executive, policy, and public audiences.

Dr. Chantal Lunderville, MD is a UCSF-trained family medicine physician and nationally recognized expert in medical wellness, aesthetics, compliance, and practice growth. She serves as the Medical Wellness Editor for Lipgloss and Aftershave, a leading spa industry publication with a reach of more than 250,000 readers and followers. She has been mentioned in Forbes, and she has been a featured speaker for global brands including L’Oréal and Epicutis. As the medical director for 20+ aesthetic and wellness practices across California, Dr. Lunderville specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and entrepreneurs build safe, compliant, and scalable practices. She and her team have developed proprietary software that enables medspas to track compliance, medical director oversight, and regulatory requirements- now being made available to the public to elevate industry standards. She has also hosted large-scale women's wellness events and professional trainings with sponsors such as goop Kitchen, AQ Solutions, UnderSkin, South Coast Psychiatry, and Reproductive Partners. A former medical spa owner turned national consultant, Dr. Lunderville empowers women in aesthetics to build legacy-driven, ethical businesses. She is also a leader in longevity and preventive wellness, blending evidence-based lifestyle wellness with advanced regenerative treatments. She is also an aesthetic and womens health trainer focusing on new practitioners. Dr. Lunderville is available for expert commentary on aesthetics, medical wellness, compliance, women’s entrepreneurship, and the future of longevity medicine.

Elizabeth Rubin, MD is a board-certified physician with advanced fellowship training in Medical Simulation, specializing in education, patient safety, and systems innovation. She currently practices at a Level I Trauma Center in Los Angeles, California, where she cares for critically ill and injured patients. She also serves on the clinical oversight team at The Embers Treatment, a drug & alcohol treatment center in Arizona. Dr. Rubin earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and went on to pursue a fellowship in Medical Simulation at the University of Chicago / NorthShore University HealthSystem. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, quality improvement, patient safety, and developing innovative approaches to emergency medical training. Through her work, she strives to improve both clinician performance and patient outcomes in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

A company is only as strong as its people. Yet, I see it every day—burnout, stress, and chronic fatigue are draining the energy of employees, impacting performance, engagement, loyalty, and innovation. I’ve spent my career uncovering the root causes of these issues and helping people reclaim their energy, focus, and long-term health. As a physician, bestselling author, and host of the nationally syndicated TV show Ask Dr. Nandi, I’ve helped millions take control of their well-being. My latest book, Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain, a New York Times bestseller, unpacks the critical link between gut health and cognitive wellbeing—a connection that has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire organizations. This is a core promise of The Vitality Advantage—the idea that when employees function at their best, companies thrive. I don’t just share science-backed strategies for better health—I help teams implement real changes that boost resilience, performance, and energy in a way that directly impacts business success. My message is simple: * Vitality is a Vital business advantage. * Healthy employees are more engaged, creative, and productive. * Burnout prevention starts with physical and mental well-being. * Corporate transformation happens from the ground up—one healthier, more energized employee at a time. If your company is ready to embrace The Vitality Advantage, let’s connect and discuss how I can bring this actionable, high-impact message to your organization.

Medical Education, Interventional Pain Medicine, and Regional Anesthesia.

I serve as Group Vice President of HealthStaffingGroup, a healthcare workforce division focused on helping hospitals and healthcare organizations navigate complex staffing and leadership challenges. My work centers on workforce strategy, leadership hiring, retention, and long-term staffing stability in high-demand healthcare environments. With experience supporting healthcare systems across the country, I regularly work with executives, administrators, and clinical leaders to address issues such as nursing shortages, physician recruitment, workforce burnout, and succession planning. I’m particularly interested in how leadership decisions, operational design, and workforce planning directly influence patient outcomes and organizational resilience. Over the years, I’ve seen that staffing challenges are rarely isolated hiring problems; they are strategic issues tied to leadership development, workload design, and long-term workforce sustainability. I often speak on healthcare leadership trends, retention strategies, and the evolving talent landscape within hospitals, clinics, and specialty care environments. My perspective combines frontline workforce realities with executive-level strategy, offering insight into how healthcare organizations can build stable, high-performing teams in an increasingly complex care environment.

Dr. Francisco Agullo, known to many patients and peers as Dr. WorldWide, is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his expertise in advanced aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, he brings a comprehensive and highly refined approach to patient care, combining surgical precision with a deep understanding of form, function, and long-term outcomes. Dr. Agullo completed his plastic surgery training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he contributes to the education and mentorship of future surgeons while remaining actively engaged in academic and clinical advancements. Based in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Agullo serves a diverse patient population across West Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico, with a large percentage of patients traveling from across the United States and internationally. His practice is known for delivering high-level, personalized care supported by a well-coordinated team that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and a seamless patient experience. His clinical interests include facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring, with particular emphasis on preservation techniques that maintain natural anatomy while enhancing aesthetic outcomes. He is recognized for incorporating innovative technologies and techniques such as deep plane facial surgery, advanced liposculpture, and preservation-based breast augmentation. His philosophy centers on providing patients with clear, honest guidance, ensuring they are fully informed and empowered to make the best decisions for themselves. Dr. Agullo has been consistently recognized for excellence in his field, earning distinctions such as Texas Super Doctors and Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over a decade. His work has also been featured in national publications and industry platforms, reflecting both peer recognition and patient satisfaction. Through his clinical work, academic involvement, and commitment to innovation, Dr. Agullo continues to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of modern aesthetic surgery while maintaining a strong focus on individualized patient care and long-term results.

Dr. Jay Johannigman is a Cincinnati-based trauma surgeon with over 35 years of experience in trauma and critical care. A distinguished leader in both military and civilian medicine, he has made lasting contributions to Cincinnati’s medical landscape, most notably as the former Trauma Medical Director and Chief of the Institute of Military Medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. During his tenure, he helped shape one of the region’s most advanced trauma and acute care programs, strengthening Cincinnati's role as a center of excellence in emergency medicine. A Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Dr. Johannigman has served in eight combat deployments from 2003 to 2021. His military roles have included CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport) flight surgeon, Trauma “Czar,” Deputy Commander, and Director of Clinical Services in combat hospitals. His outstanding service has been recognized with numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Johannigman also played a key role in the U.S. Air Force C-STARS (Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills) program, helping to train medical teams in readiness and combat casualty care. He has served as Chief Medical Officer at Knight Aerospace, contributing to the design and implementation of airborne medical evacuation systems, and strengthening the ties between military innovation and civilian emergency response. Beyond his contributions on the battlefield and in the operating room, Dr. Johannigman is a passionate educator. He serves as Professor of Surgery at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, where he helps train future generations of military and civilian physicians. Dr. Johannigman has held leadership roles nationally as well, including State Trauma Chair and Region Chief for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He remains actively involved in key professional organizations, such as the American Association for Trauma and the American College of Surgeons.

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

Specialties: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Dr. Gail Clifford is a dedicated and experienced Internal Medicine Hospitalist with a passion for both patient care and the intricate processes that keep healthcare running smoothly. Trained at St. Louis University, New York Medical College, and Carnegie Mellon University, she specializes in diagnosing and treating hospitalized adults. A Fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine, she brings expertise and heart to her work. Beyond the hospital, she’s a sought-after speaker, podcaster on Single Mom MD, and a best-selling author, contributing to The Expert’s Cure and Mommy Magic: Anatomy and Sex Education for Pre-Schoolers. Whether mentoring colleagues, improving medical systems, or writing to educate and inspire, she finds joy in every aspect of her career—while always making time for her own adventures and interests.

Dr. Geny Augustine is a physician at Solace who knows firsthand how challenging the U.S. healthcare system can be for patients. Having worked with diverse patient populations throughout her career, she's seen how the system's complex nature can create unnecessary barriers to getting good care—which is exactly what drew her to Solace's mission of putting patients first. Dr. Augustine completed her medical education in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, and previously worked as a Family Medicine physician for Banner Health in Glendale, Arizona. She's passionate about improving patient care, leading quality improvement projects like her work on hypertension management in urban environments, which earned honorable mention for the SLUHN Quality Improvement Award in 2020. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish skills, she brings both clinical expertise and cultural understanding to her patient relationships. When she's not advocating for patients, Dr. Augustine enjoys fitness, culinary arts, fine arts, travel, and volunteer work—pursuits that reflect her belief in whole-person wellness and giving back to her community.

Heidi Regenass is a physician based in Newport Beach, California, who is board-certified in cosmetic plastic surgery and palliative medicine, with more than 25 years of experience across private practice and established healthcare institutions. Her work focuses on integrative and longevity-based care, combining natural approaches with evidence-based medical treatments to support long-term health. She develops individualized care plans to improve overall well-being while balancing physical, mental, and lifestyle factors. Her approach to patient care centers on treating the individual as a whole rather than focusing on isolated concerns. Heidi considers physical health, emotional well-being, and daily habits when creating treatment strategies. Her philosophy emphasizes prevention and long-term consistency, using a structured approach that supports both immediate care and lasting stability. By integrating traditional medical practices with supportive therapies, she provides balanced, practical care tailored to each patient. She was raised in Zimbabwe, where early exposure to limited healthcare access shaped her understanding of medical challenges. Observing the difficulties faced by children without proper care influenced her decision to pursue medicine. A personal experience further guided her path, as witnessing her father’s experience with cancer and the challenges of symptom management highlighted the importance of compassionate care. Heidi Regenass continued her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Science in Health Education before earning her Doctor of Medicine. Heidi completed her medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. She went on to complete a General Surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by fellowships in plastic and reconstructive surgery and palliative care medicine. She later established her clinic and held roles including Hospice Medical Director in Los Angeles and Medical Director of Palliative Medicine in Phoenix, while also practicing cosmetic plastic surgery. She has contributed to education, research, and wellness programs throughout her career. In her personal life, Heidi Regenass enjoys cooking, hiking, and traveling while maintaining a balanced lifestyle focused on overall health.

April Likins is a board-certified health coach and nationally recognized stress and burnout expert, triple-trained through Duke Integrative Medicine, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and Precision Nutrition. Her insights and personal story have been featured in Mantra Wellness, Better Humans, Wellbeing Magazine, Authority Magazine, and on 50+ podcasts worldwide. After hitting burnout and experiencing a total health collapse following her father’s death, April turned her pain into purpose. Now, she’s fiercely committed to helping leaders and high-achieving professionals move from burnout and survival mode to clarity, resilience, and vibrant well-being. Learn more at www.aprillikins.com

Ruchir P. Patel, M.D., is the Founder and Medical Director of The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. He is a highly regarded full time practicing sleep medicine physician in the Phoenix metro area awarded Top Doctor several years in a row by his peers. He has dedicated his career to sleep medicine and improving individuals lives via improved sleep. In addition to his full time sleep medicine practice, Dr. Patel has been actively involved in clinical research trying to identify novel therapeutic options for the treatment of sleep disorders outside of pharmaco-therapeutics. Furthermore, he serves as a sleep medicine consultant to several sleep medicine industry leaders involved in insomnia drug therapy, online sleep coaching and natural sleep supplement formulation, and sleep-related neuromodulation. He also serves as a Board of Director since 2014 with Arizona Foundation for Medical Care, a local Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).