WE ARE AFFILIATED MONITORS

Each month we'll introduce you to a member of the Affiliated Monitors team.
Learn more about AMI through the expertise, experience and outside interests of our employees.

Deb Waugh

Deb Waugh is AMI’s Director of Assessment Services and joined the company in 2007.

Deb received her undergraduate BA from the University of Denver as a double major in Psychology and German; She received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.

In which of AMI's service areas have you worked? What are some of your most interesting cases?

My expertise is in the healthcare sector. In addition to overseeing monitoring cases, I conduct assessments of physicians’ clinical competence and establish & oversee education programs. I’m especially fascinated by evidence-based guidelines in the management of patients with chronic pain via controlled substances. In some cases, providers do not conduct a complete evaluation, but instead jump to early conclusions and make diagnoses without having all the information; other providers neglect to consider integrative medicine and use of non-controlled medication before they prescribe a controlled substance. Ultimately, at the end of the monitoring period, it is rewarding to have a provider make improvements that impact patient care delivery.

What aspect(s) of AMI's work are you personally most passionate about, and why?

I enjoy coaching clients to improve through analysis of the review findings. Why am I passionate about this? I frequently am the first person that a client interacts with at AMI, and I find it rewarding to quell their fears. During the course of monitoring, it is exciting to see changes being made, because it frequently translates to improved patient care delivery. I love imposing structure and organizing processes which serve as the foundation to support future growth as individuals, and as a company. When considering our own internal systems, our staff needs and deserves the same understanding as our customers.

In what ways does your personal expertise complement our services?

My social work training taught me to look at the entire client presentation with an objective eye. Similarly, in monitoring, it’s imperative to look at the whole picture — understanding the cause of a problem before trying to set up a fix. I am most passionate about cases in which I can identify trends or patterns that may have resulted in the referral for monitoring, and arranging a process that allows the client to address the concern through education and review of clinical reasoning.

Many of our clients are petrified by the thought of being monitored. It’s great to witness their relief when I share my perceptions about our work: that we are objective, transparent and neutral.

Based on your experiences, what would you like prospective clients to know about AMI?

The most important thing to know is that AMI is objective, neutral and transparent in our interactions. I am passionate about showing clients how AMI can be a partner in the process; that our expertise can be the solution to a problem. Many of our clients are petrified by the thought of being monitored, and it’s great to witness their relief when I share this perception of our work.

What interests do you have outside of work?

I enjoy maintaining a cohesive community in our neighborhood, and I love to read all sorts of books — especially those on health, nutrition, and cooking.

Deb cycling in Glenwood Springs, CO with her family.