Todd Levin Receives the Inaugural Drs. David & Esther Nash Patient Quality Award

“I am honored to receive the 2021 Drs. David and Esther Nash Patient Quality Award for this project.  It was an amazing culmination of my Master's degree from JCPH in Healthcare Quality and Safety,” states Todd Levin, DO, FACOI, FIDA. "Dr. Levin is exemplifies the kind of student we have enrolled in the CAHME-certified Healthcare Quality and Safety program: dedicated, passionate, and patient-centric. His award is the culmination of lots of work on his part, and it is so well-deserved. Congratulations to Dr. Levin, his colleagues, and Jefferson New Jersey," states  Mary Reich Cooper, MD, JD, Healthcare Quality & Safety program director at JCPH. 

Dr.  Levin’s quality journey began with his participation in the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) Leadership program developed by JCPH. This program included four introductory courses (hybrid live and online) in the Master's program for Healthcare Quality and Safety for Jefferson employees.  “At this point of my career, I was looking for a program to further develop my interest in quality and safety.  This program was the perfect fit!”  During the program, Dr. Levin had the opportunity to meet and work with many talented Jefferson employees and learn from the accomplished faculty of JCPH.
 
Dr. Levin’s initial QIPS project focused on improving documentation and coding, which resulted in an improved mortality ratio at the primary hospital.  “After the rewarding experience of completing the QIPS program, I decided to continue to pursue coursework to obtain the Master's degree.  The pandemic presented the opportune time for me to buckle down and devote time to studying,” states Levin.  The QI/PS project became his capstone paper and presentation.  In this phase he focused on improving mortality ratios by increasing the utilization of appropriate palliative care services and by creating a Mortality Review Committee. 

The project resulted in improved mortality ratios in two of the three participating hospitals.  Dr. Levin explains, “The project was successful due to my amazing, talented, and hard-working colleagues at Jefferson New Jersey.  I am thrilled that the project had a positive outcome on one of the most important patient metrics being mortality.  It was a clear example of how we live our Jefferson values by Putting Patients First, Doing the Right Thing, and Being Bold and Thinking Differently, along with achieving our mission of Improving Lives.  I look forward to participating in future healthcare quality and safety projects in the future.  Thanks, Jefferson, for a great education and experience!”

Dr. Levin is Chief of Medicine; Physician, Infectious Diseases; and Medical Director, LGBTQ+ Services at Jefferson Health New Jersey.