The Health Innovation Program (HIP) at the University of Wisconsin is pleased to announce Dr. Jessica Cao as its new co-director, joining Dr. Maureen Smith in leading the program.
Since its launch in 2006, HIP has transformed healthcare delivery and improved population health by supporting research partnerships between UW faculty and healthcare and community organizations. Over the past 15 years, HIP has helped hundreds of faculty, staff, and students achieve their research and career development goals through collaborative working groups, grant writing support, innovative data partnerships, and the national dissemination of research products through HIPxChange.
Dr. Cao is a Health Economist and Health Services Researcher whose work focuses on evaluating the effects of policy and system interventions on healthcare utilization and outcomes. Her current projects include incorporating telehealth into primary care for patients with multiple chronic conditions, evaluating the ACO REACH Model’s impact on reducing disparities, and examining regional variations in post-acute care delivery between Medicare programs. She also conducts behavioral research to better understand patient and provider preferences related to healthcare services.
All ongoing HIP projects remain fully supported, and HIP continues to welcome new opportunities for collaborative research. Those interested in working with HIP’s data resources are encouraged to contact tracking@hip.wisc.edu. HIP is accepting collaborations for new grant applications.
With Dr. Cao’s leadership alongside Dr. Smith, HIP will continue to advance innovative, collaborative health systems research that improves care and outcomes across Wisconsin and beyond.