Investigator Ellis C. Dillon, Ph.D.

Ellis C. Dillon, Ph.D., is Assistant Scientist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute (PAMFRI). She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from University of California, San Diego. She has led a variety of mixed methods projects incorporating electronic health record (EHR) data and qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and observations of current care practices.

Her current research focuses on improving the delivery of and patient experience of care for individuals with serious illnesses, palliative care, mental health care, and physician and staff well-being. Dr. Dillon is currently leading the Physician Well-Being research project, which is conducting an ongoing evaluation of physician well-being and burnout across PAMF and Sutter and working with PAFMG leadership to develop strategies to improve joy in work. She is Co-Investigator on PAMF’s Adolescent Behavioral Health project, and is leading the research team’s evaluation of a care redesign which connects adolescents with behavioral health needs to community behavioral health specialists. She is the Sutter Health representative to the HCSRN (Health Care System Research Network) Mental Health Research Network and works with a cohort of other researchers embedded in health systems working to improve mental health care. 

Dr. Dillon is also Principal Investigator for a project focused on improving shared decision making for individuals diagnosed with advanced cancer. This mixed methods project will evaluate the current state of goals of care discussions between patients and oncologists, and referral to palliative care, using EHR data, chart reviews, and interviews with patients, caregivers, and care team members.