Carla Pugh

American surgeon and educator

Dr. Carla Pugh

Carla Pugh is an American surgeon and educator known for her pioneering work in the use of technology to assess and improve clinical skills. She is a professor of surgery and the director of the Technology Enabled Clinical Improvement (TECI) Center at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Early life and education

Carla Pugh was born in Hollis, New York. She developed an interest in medicine at a young age, inspired by her mother, who was a nurse. Pugh attended University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology. She then pursued her medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine.

After completing her medical degree, Pugh undertook a residency in general surgery at Howard University Hospital. During her residency, she became interested in the use of technology to enhance medical training and patient care.

Career

Pugh's career has been marked by her innovative approach to medical education and her commitment to improving patient outcomes through technology. She is particularly known for her work in developing sensor-enabled mannequins and other simulation tools that provide objective feedback on clinical skills.

Research and innovations

Pugh's research focuses on the use of sensors and data analytics to assess the performance of medical professionals. Her work has led to the development of new methods for evaluating surgical skills and improving training programs. She has published extensively on the use of technology in medical education and has been a vocal advocate for the integration of data-driven approaches in clinical practice.

Academic positions

Before joining Stanford University, Pugh held academic positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern University. At Stanford, she continues to lead research initiatives aimed at transforming medical education and practice through technology.

Awards and recognition

Carla Pugh has received numerous awards for her contributions to medical education and technology. She was the first surgeon to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Related pages

• Surgery
• Medical education
• Simulation in healthcare
• Stanford University School of Medicine