Virginia
Representing: Policy Makers

Through work as a PCORI Ambassador, Michael Dueñas seeks to assure that healthcare systems respond effectively and efficiently, that public health principles are advanced, and that patient-centered health outcomes and quality of life for all persons is optimized at every life stage. Dueñas currently serves as the Chief Public Health Officer of the American Optometric Association (AOA). Dueñas is a graduate of the University of Florida (BS) and the University of Alabama, UAB Medical Center - School of Optometry (OD). His work experience includes bench scientific research, private clinical and hospital-based practice, teaching, and applied research with service to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dueñas has served on the National Commission on Vision and Health (NCVH), George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, and testified before the 111th US Congress. Dueñas intends to use his knowledge in the PCORI Ambassador program to facilitate PCORI’s “patient-centeredness” and align community, patient, and caregiver involvement to vulnerable minority, low-income populations overburdened with pollution and underserved for essential health services (often referred to as “environmental justice (EJ) stakeholders”). These stakeholders include community residents, nonprofit organizations, networks, and academic institutions, among others.

Interest Areas:

• PCORI’s Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options Funding Priority
• PCORI’s Improving Healthcare Systems Funding Priority
• PCORI’s Communication and Dissemination Research Funding Priority
• PCORI’s Addressing Disparities Funding Priority
• PCORI’s Accelerating PCOR and Methodological Research Funding Priority
• Health and healthcare outcomes of racial and ethnic minority groups
• Health and healthcare outcomes of low-income groups
• Health and healthcare outcomes of women
• Health and healthcare outcomes of older adults (age 65 and older)
• Health and healthcare outcomes of residents of rural areas
• Health and healthcare outcomes of individuals with special healthcare needs, including individuals with disabilities
• Health and healthcare outcomes of individuals with multiple chronic diseases
• Health and healthcare outcomes of individuals with rare diseases
• Health and healthcare outcomes of individuals whose genetic makeup affects their medical outcomes
• Health and healthcare outcomes of individuals  with low health literacy/numeracy and limited English proficiency
• Health and healthcare outcomes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual (LGBT) persons