Sepsis Alliance Welcomes New Board of Directors Chair and Vice-Chair

Sepsis Alliance, the nation’s leading sepsis organization, is pleased to announce that Steven Q. Simpson, MD, has been elected as Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr. Simpson is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, where he previously served as Division Director, Director of three ICUs, Chair of the Sepsis Team, and Chair of Multidisciplinary Critical Care. He also served as President of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST).  

Dr. Simpson has a long history of work in sepsis research and quality improvement, with projects ranging from cell biology and physiology to translational work to quality improvement and implementation science. He served as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services in the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority’s (BARDA) Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures. He has done extensive research in all areas of severe sepsis and contributed his expertise to further Sepsis Alliance’s mission for nearly ten years. 

“Dr. Simpson’s incredible work leading sepsis research and care both in the U.S. and internationally has reduced the burden of sepsis and raised awareness and understanding amongst medical professionals,” said Thomas Heymann, Sepsis Alliance President and CEO. “Additionally, his wise mentorship and support has led Sepsis Alliance’s development into a thought leader in the space, and we are thrilled to have him leading our Board of Directors in 2023 and beyond.” 

Paul L. Epner, MBA, MEd, has been elected as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Epner is the co-founder of the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) and served as CEO and a member of its Board for 10 years until stepping down in 2021. During his tenure, he created and chaired the Coalition to Improve Diagnosis, a collaborative of more than 70 professional societies, health systems, patient organizations, and organizations focused on improving healthcare quality. He also oversaw major initiatives such as the creation of SIDM’s seed grant program and SIDM’s successful advocacy in congress that led to substantial increases in diagnostic quality research funding. As someone who barely survived his own sepsis episode and with a father who did not survive, Mr. Epner is committed to making a difference in the burden of sepsis.  

“Paul has done incredible work in the healthcare quality arena and has a true understanding of the work that needs to be done for a more sepsis-safe world,” said Heymann in early 2022 when Mr. Epner was elected to the Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors.  

Sepsis Alliance would like to thank Karin Molander, MD, FACEP, for her service as the Board of Directors Chair. Dr. Molander, the organization’s first female Board Chair, oversaw and guided exceptional growth for the organization, including the launch of Sepsis Alliance Connect and Sepsis Innovation Collaborative, two highly requested offerings from Sepsis Alliance. Dr. Molander will remain on the Board of Directors and continue serving as a subject matter expert for Sepsis Alliance conferences.  

The Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing Sepsis Alliance’s activities and providing expert guidance. Terms are two years with the potential for re-election. View the current Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors by clicking here.