Joanna V. Brooks

Dr. Brooks received a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's Degree in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Philosophy from Furman University. Prior to joining the University of Kansas Faculty in 2015, she was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Scholar in Health Policy Research at Harvard University. Dr. Brooks employs qualitative research methodologies to study the sociology of health and medicine. Her research focuses on the shortage of primary care physicians and the persistent nature of the problem, pointing to an institutional structure that poses obstacles to students choosing primary care specialties. She is currently examining the impact of the transition to team-based medical homes for primary care residents. Other research has included studying medical education and the impact of duty hour regulations on the socialization and professional identity of surgical residents. Dr. Brooks has an ongoing interest in the role of teamwork and culture in quality improvement and patient safety.