Permanente maternal health leader appointed to national task force

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has appointed Ericka Gibson, MD, MPH, obstetrician-gynecologist with The Southeast Permanente Medical Group (TSPMG), as a new member.

The USPSTF is an independent panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that makes recommendations about preventive services for primary care professionals.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we are proud to congratulate Dr. Gibson on her appointment to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force,” said Nkem Chukwumerije, MD, president and executive medical director for TSPMG. “This well-deserved recognition reflects not only Dr. Gibson’s outstanding dedication to clinical excellence but also her unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of health disparities. We are confident that Dr. Gibson’s expertise and leadership will contribute significantly to creating equitable health care solutions that benefit our communities.”

Dr. Gibson, physician program director for perinatal safety and quality at TSPMG, leads initiatives for maternal health quality care. She is a champion of innovation in health care, emphasizing data collection, data analysis, program design and implementation, protocol development and dissemination, quality improvement, and safety systems oversight.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Gibson to the Task Force,” said Wanda Nicholson, MD, MPH, MBA, chair of the USPSTF. “Her work to improve the health of women, expertise in data collection and analysis, and commitment to reducing health disparities will be important contributions to the work of the Task Force.”

As part of a multidisciplinary team of Permanente physician leaders, certified nurse midwives, and nurse leaders, Dr. Gibson was instrumental in the creation of the Cocoon Pregnancy Care Program, which aimed at improving the quality of care mothers receive before, during, and after pregnancy.

The Cocoon Care program is a shining example of Kaiser Permanente’s integrated, value-based care model.  Efforts from primary, maternal, and specialty care physicians, dietitians, behavioral health clinicians, nurses, social workers, and other professionals are carefully and thoughtfully coordinated to address the multidimensional problems mothers face, including health disparities and social determinants of health.

Related podcast: Addressing health disparities in maternal care

“I am honored to congratulate Dr. Gibson on her appointment to this prestigious group,” said Stephen Parodi, MD, executive vice president of External Affairs, Communications and Brand at The Permanente Federation. “With her commitment to providing equitable, high-quality care to all patients and continuously improving maternal health care, Dr. Gibson without a doubt represents a valuable addition to the Task Force.”

The USPSTF evaluates the best available evidence to determine the benefits and harms of preventive services. Their recommendations cover more than 80 preventive topics, including vision screening for children, heart disease prevention, and colorectal cancer screening.

Dr. Gibson’s 4-year term on the USPSTF starts January 2025. Learn more about the USPSTF here.