Devin Horton, MD, Wins SHM Shark Tank Award
Devin Horton, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Utah, was awarded the top prize at the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) Annual Conference’s prestigious Shark Tank session for his innovative abstract: "Academic Hospitalist Group and Rural Community Hospital Partner to Elevate Health Care."
The Shark Tank competition highlights the most impactful and forward-thinking innovations in hospital medicine, with finalists presenting their ideas to a panel of expert "sharks" and a national audience. Dr. Horton’s project stood out among a competitive field, earning the top spot as voted on by the sharks for its practical ingenuity and potential to transform care delivery in underserved communities.
Dr. Horton’s winning innovation focused on the successful collaboration between an academic hospitalist group and a rural community hospital to improve care access, enhance quality, and support sustainable workforce solutions in rural health systems. This partnership is a shining example of how academic medical centers can extend their impact beyond their own walls, working hand-in-hand with local providers to meet the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals.
The success of this project is a real testament to the incredible clinical care that the U of U/Mountain West hospitalist MDs and APCs give on a daily and nightly basis as they have teamed up with the extraordinary Mountain West nurses and staff. It is also a remarkable example of leadership and vision by General Internal Medicine leaders Nate Wanner, MD, Molly Conroy, MD, MPH, FACSM, FAHA, and Enrique Gonzalez who partnered with Mountain West CEO Phil Eaton. Phil has moved heaven and earth to chart this great community hospital on a new course. It has truly been a pleasure to be on this journey with this group.
As a hospitalist at the University of Utah Hospital, Dr. Horton has worked on several quality improvement initiatives. His deep understanding of inpatient care and commitment to improving systems of care was clearly evident in his powerful and well-received presentation.