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Nina Sperber

Associate Professor in Population Health Sciences
Population Health Sciences

Overview


My research career has centered on understanding how to improve delivery of new evidence-based practices in health care systems. I create study designs that integrate qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed-methods) and apply Implementation Science and System Science approaches. I currently have a developing body of academic work that uses participatory system dynamics modeling as a strategy to identify system level factors that affect development and implementation of equitable AI tools. For the VA health care system, I direct a cross-functional team that conducts rapid turnaround projects for high priority needs by VHA national, regional, and facility leaders.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Population Health Sciences · 2022 - Present Population Health Sciences, Basic Science Departments
Core Faculty Member, Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy · 2024 - Present Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published March 29, 2024
Center for Precision Health Welcomes New Faculty Leaders
Published March 30, 2022
Providing the Best Prescription Drug Care for Veterans

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Recent Publications


Enhancing team communication to improve implementation of a supervised walking program for hospitalized veterans: Evidence from a multi-site trial in the Veterans Health Administration.

Journal Article PM R · November 2025 INTRODUCTION: The timely translation of evidence-based programs into real-world clinical settings is a persistent challenge due to complexities related to organizational context and team function, particularly in inpatient settings. Strategies are needed t ... Full text Link to item Cite

Implementation Context of Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics Preparing to Launch a New Evidence-Based Clinical Program for Knee Osteoarthritis: Findings From a National Multisite Implementation Trial.

Journal Article Arch Phys Med Rehabil · October 12, 2025 OBJECTIVE: We evaluated implementation context to identify barriers and facilitators to delivering a new evidence-based clinical program, Group physical therapy (Group PT) for knee osteoarthritis, overall, and by rurality and facility complexity. DESIGN: B ... Full text Link to item Cite

Implementation of Group Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Journal Article JAMA Netw Open · October 1, 2025 IMPORTANCE: Group-based physical therapy (PT) for knee osteoarthritis is an effective, efficient strategy for delivering care, but little is known about optimal strategies for implementing new clinical programs like group PT. OBJECTIVE: To compare 2 implem ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


The VA Genomic Learning Health System: Implementing genomic medicine across diverse Veteran communities.

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. · 2024 - 2029

Deprescribing Decision-Making using Machine Learning Individualized Treatment Rules to Improve CNS Polypharmacy

ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Bridge to Health Evaluation Plan

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Duke Endowment · 2025 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 2010 Ph.D.