Catalight's Dr. Doreen Samelson Recognized in Merit Awards
Catalight proudly announces that its Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Doreen Samelson, has garnered the prestigious Gold Winner title in the Influential Clinical Executives category at the 2025 Merit Awards for Healthcare. This honor recognizes her groundbreaking efforts to redefine autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) care.
Shifting the Focus to Wellbeing in Care
Dr. Samelson is widely regarded as a leading voice in behavioral health. Her innovative approach prioritizes wellbeing as the core measure of success in autism and I/DD care. Drawing from her extensive personal and professional background—including her qualifications as a licensed psychologist and her experiences as a parent—she advocates for a care model that centers on dignity, inclusion, and personalized outcomes for individuals.
In the spirit of this mission, Dr. Samelson has played an instrumental role in establishing the Catalight Research Institute. This initiative serves as a catalyst for advancing clinical innovation through applied research and modern technology, facilitating a more effective and compassionate framework for healthcare.
Innovative Tools and Measurable Success
With Dr. Samelson at the helm, Catalight has developed several pioneering tools, such as the Catalight Wellbeing Scales and the Parental Stress Scales, which provide valuable insights into the care process. A notable highlight is the Compass-Behavioral program that empowers autistic youth, encouraging self-advocacy and personal development.
The results have been compelling, showcasing substantial improvements in patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs. According to Catalight's findings, patients reported a satisfaction rate of 4.3 out of 5. Additionally, there was a remarkable 71% reduction in dangerous behaviors and a notable 30% decrease in overall healthcare costs—results that speak to the effectiveness of their approach and strategies.
Leadership and Influence in Behavioral Health
“Dr. Samelson's vision has reshaped not only our organization but the national landscape of behavioral health care,” states Susan Armiger, President and CEO of Catalight. “Her focus on wellbeing has transformed how we understand success in I/DD care, establishing it as a core outcome.”
Dr. Samelson's national influence extends through her fellowship at the California Health Care Foundation, her notable leadership at Kaiser Permanente, and her previous role as Co-Chair of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Psychology Interest Group. Her significant contributions to research have seen her published in various respected publications.
Recognition of Commitment to Wellbeing
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Samelson remarked, "I'm honored by this recognition and am thrilled to see wellbeing embraced as the essential standard for people with autism and I/DD. This acknowledgment is pivotal for fostering a more impactful, person-centered care environment."
The Importance of the Merit Awards for Healthcare
The Merit Awards for Healthcare serves to elevate standards across the healthcare sector, honoring those making strides in clinical leadership, research, and innovation. Now in its sixth year, the awards continue to spotlight organizations and individuals driving progress in clinical care and health equity.
About Catalight
Catalight is dedicated to dismantling barriers and biases to create an equitable world where individuals with developmental disabilities can chart their paths. The organization stands at the forefront of innovative, individualized care services, underpinned by technology to enhance advocacy and clinical research.
Catalight represents one of the largest behavioral health networks, connecting over 16,000 practitioners with 24,000 patients and families annually. With its extensive experience and a multidisciplinary clinical team, Catalight is committed to redefining the healthcare experience for individuals and families alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Doreen Samelson?
Dr. Doreen Samelson is the Chief Clinical Officer at Catalight. She has been recognized for her influential leadership in autism and I/DD care.
What is the focus of Catalight's initiatives?
Catalight aims to break down barriers in care for individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing wellbeing as the core measure of success.
How has Dr. Samelson impacted the field of healthcare?
She has introduced significant changes by redefining success in behavioral health care, championing dignity, inclusion, and individual outcomes.
What tools have been developed under Catalight?
Catalight has created several impactful tools, including the Wellbeing Scales and the Compass-Behavioral program, aimed at enhancing care for autistic individuals.
What does the Merit Awards for Healthcare celebrate?
The awards recognize leaders, organizations, and initiatives that contribute to advancements in healthcare, encouraging innovation and excellence across the industry.
