About

Background

The Dissemination and Implementation Science Training Institute was developed to address the gap in traditional implementation science training, which often focuses on specific diseases or health conditions. By creating a generalized approach, the program enables professionals from diverse backgrounds to apply implementation science methodologies in their respective fields, enhancing the effectiveness of various interventions and strategies within and beyond health care.

Primary objectives

  1. Community Building and Networking: The Institute prioritizes investing in community among its participants. This is achieved by creating small, collaborative groups, or ‘pods,’ that meet at both the start and end of each day. This structure fosters a supportive learning environment and encourages the sharing of experiences and insights. Additionally, the use of network mapping and designated spaces for one-to-one interactions ensures that participants develop lasting professional relationships, significantly enriching their professional networks.
  2. Incorporation of Appreciative Inquiry: A key aim is to incorporate the principles of Appreciative Inquiry into the training programs. This approach focuses on identifying and building upon existing strengths within D&I practices. By highlighting successful examples and encouraging a positive, solution-oriented dialogue, the Institute aims to equip participants with a constructive and effective methodology for addressing challenges in dissemination and implementation.
  3. Teaching Cutting-Edge Concepts and Embracing Uncertainties: The Institute is dedicated to teaching the latest concepts in the field of implementation research while acknowledging and exploring the uncertainties and controversies that accompany this evolving field. This aim stresses the importance of not only applying existing knowledge but also being open to learning and adapting to new developments and challenges. This approach ensures that participants are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of dissemination and implementation research.

Our team

Elvin Geng, MD, MPH
Director, Center for Dissemination & Implementation

Allison King, MD, PhD, MPH
Associate Director, Center for Dissemination & Implementation

Rebecca Lengnick-Hall, PhD, MSW, MPA
Assistant Professor, Brown School

Byron Powell, PhD, LCSW
Co-Director, Center for Dissemination & Implementation

Jacaranda van Rheenen, PhD
 Research Planning & Development Strategist, Division of Infectious Diseases

Ashley Sturm, MA
Manager, Center for Dissemination & Implementation

Catherine Schwarz, MPP
 Research Center Program Manager, Division of Infectious Diseases

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Awarded for this Activity

American Medical Association (AMA)
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis designates this live activity for a maximum of 12.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.