Gerald B. Hickson BS, MD

Gerald B. Hickson, MD, is Senior Vice President for Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs , and Joseph C. Ross Chair in Medical Education and Administration, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he also holds the positions Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Family and Health Systems Nursing. He is the currently Chair of the Board of Directors at the National Patient Safety Foundation and Chair of the Certification Board of Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS).

Since 1990, Dr. Hickson’s research has focused on why families choose to file suit, why certain physicians attract a disproportionate share of claims, and how to identify and intervene with high-risk physicians. His work has resulted in over 150 peer reviewed articles and chapters; the development of PARS® (Patient Advocacy Reporting System), and several educational initiatives to promote disclosure of medical errors and address behaviors that undermine a culture of safety.