Meet UNMC New Investigator Awardee Preethy Nayar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Preethy Nayar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., answers questions about her work, life and interests.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series to highlight the 23 researchers who will be honored May 22 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2011 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

Preethy Nayar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

• Name: Preethy Nayar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
  
• Title: Assistant professor of health services research and administration in the College of Public Health
  
• Joined UNMC: 2007
  
• Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

My research focuses on assessing and improving the efficiency and quality of health care services provided to patents treated in hospitals and also how to improve the quality of health care services provided to veterans. Many veterans particularly in rural areas receive dual care, i.e., health care services both within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and outside the VHA. Our team studies how the system of dual care is perceived by the veterans themselves and by the physicians and other health care providers. We also look for ways to improve the care provided to the veterans who use dual care.

How do you want your research to translate to benefit patients?

The research will hopefully inform policy and practice and serve to improve the quality of care provided to patients admitted to hospitals and to veterans who receive dual care.

What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?

My late father told me that the only limits you have are those you set for yourself.

List three things few people know about you.

• I am trained in Indian classical dance.
  
• My family hails from Kerala, which was voted by National Geographic Traveler as one of 50 must see destinations.
  
• I practiced medicine in the Middle East (Oman) for 15 years.