Building a collaborative quality-improvement and research network

The goal of the Children's Health & Discovery initiative (CHDI) is to foster multidisciplinary and innovative research that will positively impact childhood and lifelong health. As part of our goal of fostering multidisciplinary collaborations, the CHDI is holding seminar/brainstorming sessions, which we've termed "Great Minds Think for Kids". These lunch-time sessions will include a 40-minute research-in-progress talk from a guest speaker, followed by a brainstorming/group discussion session.

Seminar Title: "Building a collaborative quality-improvement and research network"
Speaker: Alexander Allori, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery
Duke University School of Medicine

Dr. Alexander Allori is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery. His clinical work and research are focused on the provision of care for children with cleft lip and/or palate, one of the most common birth defects worldwide. Care for patients with cleft lip and/or palate is complex and provided at stages throughout childhood, from birth to young adulthood. Due to its complexity, this care is best coordinated by a multidisciplinary cleft team. However, many factors, that are as yet poorly understood, may negatively impact patient outcomes. Dr. Allori's goal is to improve care for these children by developing "metrics that matter".