Richard K. Zimmerman, M.D., M.P.H.
Richard K. Zimmerman, M.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiologist and family physician with an active interest in vaccine preventable diseases. Dr. Zimmerman has studied barriers to childhood and adult immunization including economics, overly cautious interpretation of contraindications, concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, and type of encounter with the health care system. He has also developed and studied educational and reminder system interventions to raise vaccination rates in outpatient and inpatient settings. He has been the Principal Investigator on a number of federally-funded grants to study barriers to immunization. In cooperation with the Graduate School of Public Health, he has developed a computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) center that has conducted national telephone interviews with clinicians and regional interviews with patients. He has also addressed barriers with a multidisciplinary team using triangulation to identify issues by patient, nurse, clinician surveys, chart audits, and direct observation of clinical-patient encounters. A number of Dr. Zimmerman's studies have been conducted in disadvantaged, inner-city populations.
Project Title: Mobile Child Immunization Van and Health Initiative
Funding Agency: AETNA Foundation
Total Project Period: 12/01/94 to 11/30/99
Total Project Award: $100,000
Principal Investigator: Richard K. Zimmerman
Project Title: Effects of the VFC on Physician Referral for Vaccination
Funding Agency: Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine/CDC
Total Project Period: 09/30/98 to 09/29/00
Total Project Award: $286,639
Principal Investigator: Richard K. Zimmerman
Project Title: Determining/Understanding Barriers to Adult Immunization
Funding Agency: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
Total Project Period: 04/01/99 to 09/30/01
Total Project Award: $1,126,311
Principal Investigator: Richard K. Zimmerman