Biography

Vanessa’s career in Continuing Medical Education (CME) started in 2006, where she developed programs for Intermountain Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in Utah. In 2010, Vanessa became the director of CME for the largest medical school in Iowa, Des Moines University (DMU). Under her leadership, Vanessa maintained several multi-disciplinary accreditations through the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) (with commendation), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) (with commendation), the Iowa Board of Nursing, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In 2021, Vanessa joined the TREX team. 

Vanessa wholeheartedly believes in the impact CME has on the healthcare industry. She is incredibly passionate about the role of patients and their families in the healthcare team – including medical education and research. She believes involving patients in the delivery of CME engages clinician’s minds and hearts and reinforces the reasons why their work matters.

Vanessa is active in the CME profession serving on multiple national and regional committees, including the ACCME (including being a mentor for novice CME professionals), CPME (6-year CME committee and ad-hoc member), DMU Health Leaders (director of operations), National Commission for Certification of CME Professionals (finance committee), and Meeting Professional International, Utah Chapter (director of professional development and education). Vanessa is a frequent presenter at CME industry conferences speaking on patient involvement in CME, ACCME compliance, outcomes measurement, digital accessibility, adult learning principles, data privacy, learning communities, and audience engagement.

Vanessa received her undergraduate degree in business and economics from the University of Utah and her Masters of Health Care Administration from DMU. She earned her Certified Continuing Medical Education Professional (CHCP™) credential, a designation given by the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions for the most knowledgeable and skilled individuals in the profession. Vanessa also has her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

Vanessa lives in Des Moines, IA, with her family and two dogs. She is a life-long runner, triathlete, a vegetarian who has a large garden, is an avid reader, enjoys visiting breweries, and spending time at the family acreage.