Robin Weinick, PhD, has more than 20 years of experience, including leadership of major research divisions at two premier research institutions. Dr. Weinick has successfully led multimillion-dollar government contract proposals, redesign of business processes resulting in significantly improved new funding, and execution of complex, client-facing research projects delivering impact for the American public. Her research has focused on improving the quality of medical care in the United States with a special emphasis on patient experience with care, practical tools for use in the health care system, and evaluation of complex portfolios of programs with widely varying goals.

Before joining RTI, Dr. Weinick was a senior social scientist and associate director of RAND Health, in Arlington, Virginia. Prior to RAND, she served as a senior scientist at the Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and as a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 

Earlier this year, Robin shared her experience as an AcademyHealth member, read below her member story...

"I’ve been a member of AcademyHealth for the last 15 years, and have been attending the Annual Research Meeting for longer. Over the years, AcademyHealth has provided me opportunities to be recognized in the field and contribute to its advancement. I’ve presented papers and posters, chaired meeting sessions, and helped review submitted abstracts for acceptance at meetings. Recently, I had the pleasure of serving on this year’s ARM planning committee, allowing me a chance to help shape the agenda of the premier forum for health services research. I’ve also appreciated the chance to contribute to AcademyHealth’s commitment to those new to the field through new investigator awards and student networking events.

One of the things that I love about working in a contract research environment is the opportunity to see my research lead to practical change in the real world. AcademyHealth has been very encouraging of increased engagement by researchers on the “industry” side, which has been great. Staying connected as a member of AcademyHealth helps me maintain ties to the academic community and to colleagues who work in diverse settings. For me, the best thing about being a member of AcademyHealth is that it provides me with many opportunities to expand and keep in contact with my professional network – and to continually learn from other members."

Authored by Robin Weinick, Ph.D.