For Stephanie Clauss, D.O., assistant professor of general internal medicine, improving health care means investing in both systems and the people who will lead them in the future.

“What excites me most about my work is that I get to bring education, which is something I have a passion for, and also systems improvement to the health care system,” Clauss said.

A physician educator, Clauss focuses on advancing improvements that enhance patient safety while helping train the next generation of health care leaders. Through her work with residents, she combines practical learning with a commitment to continuous quality improvement across the health care system.

Clauss believes education plays a critical role in creating safer environments for patients and their families. By mentoring residents and future physicians, she helps prepare them to identify opportunities for improvement, implement meaningful changes and lead with a patient-centered mindset.

Building a culture of learning and innovation is essential to improving health care delivery, according to Clauss. By empowering future physician leaders with the skills to advance patient safety and systems improvement, she is helping shape a stronger future for both patients and the institutions that serve them.