Intellectual Disability and Sepsis: Understanding Disparities and Care Needs

Dr. Jonathan L. Gleason is a renowned thought leader and healthcare executive. He has served in executive roles at several of America’s most notable clinically integrated health systems – Carilion Clinic, Jefferson Health, and Prisma Health. Dr. Gleason currently serves as executive vice president, Chief Clinical Officer for Prisma Health with broad responsibilities for the clinical and academic mission of the $5bn, 18-hospital clinical integrated health system. His work to build clinical operating systems that are elite partners to people has achieved remarkable results inside of traditional health systems as well as in the business community. Dr. Gleason’s work has been recognized by multiple national awards for innovation in care delivery and safety, and his insights on these topic are in high demand in publications such as the New England Journal, the World Economic Forum and the Wall Street Journal. Dr. Gleason is also a researcher and advocate for people with disabilities and his landmark publication in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst about the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual disabilities resulted in global changes to vaccine prioritization. Dr. Gleason serves on advisory committees for Special Olympics International, and he serves on the board of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, CPPS, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, FAPIC, is the Infection Control Officer and Medical Director of Research for Jefferson Health – New Jersey and an Infectious Diseases specialist. She has expertise in sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, infection control, patient safety, clinical quality, equity, and language access.

Dr. Hou is the Chief Medical Officer of Sepsis Alliance and a member of its Board of Directors. She earned her M.B.A. and M.A. from Boston University, a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her B.S. from Yale University.

Dr. Hou is the principal investigator for an Office of Minority Health grant to reduce inequities in those with limited English proficiency. She is the co-editor of the book, “COVID-19 Viral Sepsis: Impact on Disparities, Disability, and Health Outcomes.”

Dr. Hou has a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. Dr. Hou is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

Wendy J. Ross, MD, FAAP is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and the inaugural director of the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity where she create community opportunities. She was a top ten CNN hero in 2014 for her work on community participation. Dr. Ross attended the humanities and medicine program at Mt Sinai, pediatrics residency at Yale, and fellowship in developmental pediatrics at Harvard.