Broglio, Ellimoottil receive IHPI honor for impact on health policy and practice

Researchers receive IHPI's Policy Impact Award for work improving concussion policy, advancing telehealth research and practice

The recipients of the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation (IHPI)’s 2023 policy impact awards — Steven Broglio, Ph.D. and Chad Ellimoottil, M.D., M.S. — have made far-reaching impacts through their work in concussion and telehealth research, respectively.

The awards presented at the Institute’s annual Member Forum on April 18 recognize the recipients’ sustained engagement with policy audiences and dedication to improving health policy and practice for all.

As part of their award, Broglio and Ellimoottil will each receive $2,000 to support their ongoing research and will have their work showcased in a future IHPI written or multimedia product.

About Broglio: Improving concussion policy globally

Steven Broglio, professor and associate dean in the U-M School of Kinesiology, an internationally recognized concussion researcher, and founding director of the U-M Concussion Center, was selected for his sustained engagement and leadership in concussion research and policy that have led to better safety protocols for active people on a global scale.

Broglio’s research has informed state, national, and international policy decisions and clinical guidelines in the realm of concussion assessment, management, and prevention. Notably, the findings from his largest study, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and U.S. Department of Defense CARE Consortium, have strengthened health and safety measures for athletes and military service members worldwide by improving concussion management techniques and laying the groundwork for better protective gear.

Among his many international policy engagement efforts, Broglio led the development of “return to learn” and “return to play” policies that are used widely by health care practitioners. He also serves as the inaugural president-elect of the International Concussion in Sport Group, the world’s leading organization in distilling concussion science and clinical recommendations, which regularly publishes consensus documents that provide a framework for organizations across the globe to base their concussion policies and procedures.

At the national level, Broglio has worked directly with U.S. Congress members to inform concussion policies for student-athletes, briefed the U.S. Secretary of the Army on evidence-based policy recommendations to benefit military service members, and contributed to concussion policy development for U.S. Soccer, U.S. Cycling, NCAA, and multiple state bodies.

In Michigan, Broglio’s strategic partnerships were instrumental in designating September 15th as Concussion Awareness Day in 2023. Moreover, under his leadership, the U-M Concussion Center’s training certification program has been adopted as a required resource for coaches, administrators, and parents across the state.

“Dr. Broglio’s commitment to active individuals, the science, and the people that make it happen creates a community that others want to join and continue to be involved,” wrote Tina Chen, M.A., managing director of the U-M Concussion Center, in her nomination letter. “His dedication, leadership, and profound impact on the lives of millions worldwide makes him truly deserving of this honor.”

About Ellimoottil: Maintaining access to care through telehealth policy

Chad Ellimoottil, associate professor of urology, was selected for his impactful contributions to policy and practice at institutional, state, and national levels in the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual care.

At Michigan Medicine, Ellimoottil serves as medical director of virtual care, overseeing the delivery of 450,000 virtual encounters annually and leading the development of the health system’s five-year strategic plan for virtual care. Early in his career at U-M, he also established, and continues to contribute to, the U-M Telehealth Research Incubator at IHPI, a research collaboration dedicated to exploring the population-level impact of telehealth on access, costs, and quality. Through this initiative, Ellimoottil has built a robust multidisciplinary research network, authored numerous publications, and secured grants to further his and his colleagues’ pioneering research in telehealth.

Ellimoottil’s influence has also extended to the national stage, as evidenced by his recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Care, where he provided valuable insights on telehealth research to inform legislation aimed at making telehealth a permanent option for Medicare beneficiaries.

Furthermore, he has actively engaged with state and national policymakers through various channels, including the development of a listserv to rapidly disseminate telehealth research and the production of policy briefs to inform decision-making. His presentations at public and private meetings, along with his appearances on prominent podcasts and media outlets, have further amplified his work to a broader audience.

“Dr. Ellimoottil's tireless dedication to advancing telehealth research and policy has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of health care delivery,” wrote Aruna Sarma, Ph.D., M.H.A., and Vahakn Shahinian, M.D., of the Michigan Medicine Department of Urology in their nomination letter. “Given his significant achievements and proactive engagement in the field of telehealth, he is a well-deserving [recipient of] this award.”

More about their recent work and impact:

Broglio:

Ellimoottil: