Robert M. Wachter

Dr Bob Wachter 03

Robert M. Wachter is an American physician, author, and academic. He is a prominent figure in the field of hospital medicine and is often referred to as one of the "fathers" of the hospitalist movement. Wachter is also known for his contributions to patient safety and healthcare quality.

Early Life and Education

Robert M. Wachter was born in New York City. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He then attended the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his MD degree.

Career

Wachter began his medical career as a resident in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He later joined the faculty at UCSF, where he has held various positions, including Chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine and Associate Chair of the Department of Medicine.

Hospital Medicine

Wachter is widely recognized for his role in the development of hospital medicine. He co-authored the first major textbook on the subject, "Hospital Medicine," and has published numerous articles and papers on the topic. His work has helped to define the role of the hospitalist, a physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients.

Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality

In addition to his work in hospital medicine, Wachter has made significant contributions to the fields of patient safety and healthcare quality. He served as the editor of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) WebM&M (Morbidity and Mortality Rounds on the Web) and Patient Safety Network. He has also written extensively on the subject, including the book "Understanding Patient Safety."

Digital Health

Wachter has been an advocate for the use of digital health technologies to improve patient care. He chaired the National Advisory Group on Health Information Technology in England, which produced the influential "Wachter Report" on the implementation of electronic health records.

Awards and Recognition

Wachter has received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine, including the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum. He has been named one of the 50 most influential physician executives in the United States by Modern Healthcare magazine.

Publications

Wachter is the author of several books and numerous articles. Some of his notable works include:

• "Hospital Medicine"
• "Understanding Patient Safety"
• "The Digital Doctor: Hope, Hype, and Harm at the Dawn of Medicine’s Computer Age"

Personal Life

Wachter resides in San Francisco, California, with his family. He continues to be active in clinical practice, teaching, and research.

See Also

• Hospitalist
• Patient safety
• Healthcare quality
• Digital health