Former astronaut, James P. Bagian, is still shooting for the stars

Dr. James P. Bagian is an alumnus of Central High School.

Dr. Bagian is focused on creating solutions that will make healthcare safer, more effective, and efficient for patients. Dr. Bagian’s primary interest and expertise are in the development and implementation of multidisciplinary programs and projects that involve the integration of engineering, medical/life sciences, and human factor disciplines. He is applying the majority of his attention to the application of systems engineering approaches to the analysis of medical adverse events, and the development and implementation of suitable corrective actions that will enhance patient safety primarily through preventive means. Dr. Bagian directs the Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety (CHEPS), and he is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering. Previously, he served as the first chief patient safety officer and founding director of the National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).