Melissa Swee, MD, MME, clinical assistant professor in Nephrology and Hypertension, and Iowa VA Quality Scholars (VAQS) Program Director, has been awarded the Rising Star Award by the national VA Quality Scholars Program.
Swee was nominated by Jaime Wilson, DNP, RN, PCCN, director of the Rural Scholars Fellowship and Office of Rural Health at the Iowa City VA Health Care System, and Amany Farag, PhD, RN, associate professor in the College of Nursing, and Swee’s co-director of the Iowa City VAQS.
The award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in health care improvement and patient safety, also acknowledges those who have not only met, but exceeded the highest standards of professional practice and research, making significant strides in advancing the care of veterans.
“Dr. Melissa Swee is a shining example of these qualities,” Wilson said. “As a leader in the Telenephrology Program, Dr. Swee has played a pivotal role in developing a dashboard that has significantly improved access and outcomes in the kidney clinic at the Iowa City VA Medical Center. Her work in integrating clinical research with real-world applications has made a profound impact, particularly in her ongoing K12 Career Development Award project.”
This project, titled Rurality and CKD Outcomes: Bridging the Gap for Rural Veterans, is poised to address rural disparities in kidney care, with a focus on veterans with chronic kidney disease. Swee’s dashboard consolidates patient data, which enables clinicians to identify trends in the person’s kidneys and intervene early with treatment.
“Since its implementation, we’ve seen improved access to care and better patient outcomes,” Swee said. “My hope is that as we continue to refine and expand the dashboard, it will become a model for other VA systems, ultimately leading to widespread improvements in veteran care.”
Swee extends her heartfelt thanks for the award to her children, husband, colleagues, mentors, and the veterans she and her team serves, acknowledging the crucial parts they all play in her career’s success, and particularly Farag and Wilson for their nomination of her for this award.
“Their belief in my work means the world to me, and I am fortunate to learn from both of them every day,” Swee said. “Working closely with them has been an enriching experience, and their support and recognition affirm the collaborative spirit of our efforts and our shared commitment to advancing the care of veterans.”
Swee’s recognition was celebrated at a recent meeting. We are grateful for the photos from that meeting.
