Carolyn Oliver, MD, JD About Our Benefactor

Dr. Oliver went to medical school because she wanted to help people, and because she found medical science fascinating. After a first year residency (internship) in Internal Medicine, Dr. Oliver left the program to go into general practice, and also practiced as an emergency room physician.

Deciding to concentrate her professional career to advocate for more patient participation in their healthcare, Dr. Oliver ardently believes this participation leads to better healthcare outcomes, as well as better doctor-patient relationships, and better medicine in general. Dr. Oliver founded Patient Always First in Houston, Texas in 2004. One of its goals is to educate and encourage patients to be more actively involved in their healthcare. Patient Always First offers a free personal health record.

Dr. Oliver is a supporter of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Having funded several projects that address ethical and quality issues in medicine, Dr. Oliver has also produced a TV pilot/video series, Misdiagnosed, that relate the stories of patients who have experienced tragedies in the healthcare system, and then point out how they might have been avoided with more knowledgeable patient and family participation. She founded the Oliver Center for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. She is the author of "Cautious Care: A Guide for Patients" that is offered at Amazon.com.

Dr. Oliver is a graduate of the UTMB School of Medicine and is a graduate of South Texas College of Law.

Dr. Oliver and her former husband have a family charitable foundation that focuses on primary funding to nonprofit charitable medical organizations and educational organizations.

Dr. Oliver resides in Austin, Texas.

The Carolyn J. Oliver MD Center for Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare was dedicated in 2008 with the intent of promoting patient centered care by following four (4) guiding virtues:

Guiding Virtues What Drives Us

Innovation -To be leaders in the field of healthcare delivery, those who do not race ahead will fall behind. Success in effective healthcare delivery requires a two pronged approach. Long standing strategies should be evaluated and implemented and novel concepts should be fostered and explored.

Patient empowerment - Multidisciplinary teams are crucial to quality healthcare. Patients and their families are key members of the healthcare team. Only through their cooperation and assistance can true healing take place. Patients and their families must be active members of the healthcare team.

Communication - A well integrated team has effective communication and synergy amongst the members. Clarity is only achieved through questions and an open and honest exchange of ideas and feelings.

Respect - Every effective team or organization is built on these virtues. Physician, nurse, pharmacy technician, transportation assistant, patient and family member are all integral members of the healthcare team. Success is only ensured if all members feel valued and respected.