Dr. Willard’s academic interests focus on the use of telehealth clinical care delivery models for endocrine disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease. Dr. Willard is the Clinical Leader of the UPMC Endocrinology Telehealth Unit. In this role, Dr. Willard has successfully implemented telehealth programs across Western Pennsylvania. She has also contributed to the development of new models of care that take advantage of telehealth resources and new technology. To determine the overall effectiveness of these programs, Dr. Willard assesses clinical outcomes, quality measures, cost effectiveness, and patient satisfaction of these telehealth models. In addition to continuously improving telehealth services, Dr. Willard contributes to the training of future generations of endocrinologist in use of telehealth clinical care delivery models.
Dr. Willard practices general endocrinology and enjoys the challenges of inpatient diabetes management. She expanded the Division's telemedicine service to inpatient care and works with teleconsult centers in rural areas to improve access to quality endocrine care. Long term she plans to further explore her interest in the use of diabetes technology and care models to make telemedicine visits more constructive for patients.
Dr. Willard enjoys participating in the inpatient teaching service and working with the internal medicine residents and medical students that rotate on service. She also lectures at their conferences and grand rounds.
- BSc, University of Pittsburgh, 2005
- DO, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2009
- Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 2012
- Fellowship, Endocrinology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 2014
Education & Training
Magaji, V, Nayak, S, Donihi, AC, Willard, LA, Jampana, S, Nivedita, P, Eder, R, Johnston, J, Korytkowski, MT. Comparison of insulin infusion protocols targeting 110-140 mg/dL in patients after cardiac surgery. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2012; 14(11): 1013-7.
Nayak, S, Magaji, V, Donihi, AC, Willard, LA, Jampana, S, Nivedita, P, Eder, R, Johnston, J, Korytkowski, MT. Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Insulin Infusion Protocols with Glycemic Targets of 110-140 mg/dL in Patients with and without Diabetes Following Cardiac Surgery. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2014; 8(2): 425-426.
Kovarik, JJ, Eller, AW, Willard, LA, Ding, J, Johnston, MJ, Waxman, EL. Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetic retinopathy among inpatients with diabetes: The diabetic retinopathy inpatient study (DRIPS). BMJ Open Diabetes Research Care. 2016; 4(1)
