Justin Benzer stands as a distinguished figure in the fields of industrial/organizational psychology and health services research. His expertise is deeply rooted in improving healthcare systems, particularly within veteran affairs and community health initiatives. Holding a dual appointment at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Texas Health Care System, Benzer is a key leader as the Implementation Core chief at the VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans. His influence extends to academic publishing as an associate editor for Implementation Science Communications and a member of the editorial board of Health Care Management Review, highlighting his commitment to advancing research and practice in his field. Benzer’s research is broadly focused on enhancing the coordination and quality of care within primary care and mental health environments, making him a pivotal figure in optimizing patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
Within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Benzer’s expertise is sought after for critical projects, including a Department of Defense-funded study. This research is crucial in defining the necessary knowledge and skills for U.S. Army officers and noncommissioned officers to effectively implement sexual assault prevention programs, in collaboration with Fort Gordon, Georgia. His involvement also extends to addressing the opioid crisis as a member of the Dell Medical School Texas Targeted Opioid Response Project. In this role, Benzer is instrumental in designing and implementing strategies to broaden the reach and adoption of a novel opioid overdose reporting system, showcasing his ability to translate research into practical solutions for pressing public health concerns.
Benzer’s commitment to community well-being is further demonstrated through his role as the evaluation lead for an integrated program supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Austin. This collaborative effort with Integral Care and CommUnity Care underscores his dedication to addressing vulnerable populations’ healthcare needs. Additionally, he serves as the evaluator for a mobile mammography clinic in partnership with Lone Star Circle of Care, enhancing access to critical preventative care. His expertise is also leveraged in the evaluation of the Integral Care Certified Community Behavioral Health Center, and he contributes his organizational psychology insights to a Dell Medical School study examining the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers. These diverse projects illustrate Benzer’s comprehensive approach to improving healthcare across various settings and populations.
Within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Benzer is actively contributing to the body of knowledge through publications stemming from a study measuring healthcare integration. This research utilizes the VA electronic health record and patient/provider surveys. Furthermore, he leads two significant studies focusing on integrated care. One study employs VA electronic health record data and innovative sequence analysis methodology to analyze mental health care pathways following a new depression diagnosis. The second study is a comprehensive evaluation of the nationwide clinical leadership restructuring within the Department of Veterans Affairs. These initiatives demonstrate Benzer’s commitment to leveraging data and rigorous research methods to inform and improve healthcare systems on a large scale.
Justin Benzer’s journey to Dell Medical School was preceded by his tenure at Boston University and the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, where he served as a health services researcher since 2008. His roots are in Massachusetts, but he has a connection to Texas through his military service at Fort Hood during his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He solidified his academic credentials with a doctorate from the Department of Psychology at Texas A&M University. Benzer’s background, blending practical experience with advanced academic training, positions him as a leading expert driving meaningful change in healthcare implementation and organizational psychology.
