Dr. Susan Roberts and AVAHCS Crush 33 Sepsis team featured internationally
Dr. Roberts and her team were featured in the World Sepsis Day 2024 poster, which highlights leading global efforts to combat sepsis and raise awareness of its daily effects.
Dr. Susan M. Roberts, a pioneering public health expert and healthcare innovator, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone with the Crush 33 sepsis alert system. The system is now gaining international acclaim for its role in saving lives at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center. Dr. Roberts and the VA sepsis workgroup have dedicated countless hours to advancing the early detection and intervention of sepsis, ultimately improving patient outcomes for Veterans and beyond.
In recognition of their significant contributions, Dr. Roberts and her team were featured in the World Sepsis Day 2024 poster, which highlights leading global efforts to combat sepsis and raise awareness of its daily effects. The inclusion of Dr. Roberts's work on such a prestigious platform underscores the global impact of the Crush 33 initiative, which employs cutting-edge technology to detect the early signs of sepsis and trigger rapid, life-saving responses.
"The journey to this achievement has been one of collaboration, passion, and unwavering commitment to patient care," said Dr. Roberts. "We've worked tirelessly to ensure Veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country, receive the best possible care. Being recognized alongside international efforts on World Sepsis Day is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication of the entire sepsis workgroup and the executive leadership team."
The Crush 33 system, developed by Dr. Roberts and her team, leverages advanced analytics and real-time monitoring to identify sepsis risk factors. It ensures that healthcare providers at the Atlanta VA are alerted immediately when a patient shows signs of sepsis. Early interventions are key to improving survival rates, and the system has already saved countless lives by enabling faster response times and more targeted treatments.
Since its implementation, the Crush 33 initiative has been hailed as a model for sepsis detection and care. The Atlanta VA Medical Center has experienced a marked decline in sepsis-related mortality, thanks in part to the efforts of Dr. Roberts and her colleagues.
Dr. Roberts, whose background ranges from dietary aide to Doctor of Public Health specializing in epidemiology, has long been an advocate for improving healthcare systems and empowering providers with the tools they need to make a difference. Her journey from working on the frontlines of patient care to becoming a leader in public health has inspired many in the field.
This recognition on the World Sepsis Day poster is just the latest accolade in Dr. Roberts's growing legacy of innovative, compassionate healthcare. She and the Sepsis Workgroup continue their mission to save lives and improve outcomes.
"This recognition is not just about me or the team," said Dr. Roberts. "It is all about the incredible healthcare professionals working tirelessly to save lives. Together, we make a difference—not just for Veterans but for people around the world."