Written by: Souha Farhat, MD
Senior Program Manager | Patient Engagement Research Lab, Houston Methodist Hospital
A Leader with a Dual Lens
Catherine Pulicken is the Senior Program Manager of the Patient Engagement (PE) Research Lab at Houston Methodist Hospital, where she leads business and research operations within the Department of Surgery. With a PhD in public health and a background in healthcare management, Catherine brings a unique hybrid perspective—one that blends strategic systems thinking with a profound commitment to community voices.
A Purposeful Beginning
Catherine’s journey with the PE Lab began during her time as a doctoral student at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. “I was deeply committed to making a difference through a public health lens,” she shares. It was during this search for meaningful, community-focused work that she connected with Dr. Amy Waterman and discovered the newly emerging PE Lab. What drew her in? “The lab’s emphasis on elevating patient voices and shaping research in partnership with the community.”
Even in its earliest days, the lab’s mission resonated with her vision of impactful, inclusive health research.
Mission-Aligned Passion
Catherine’s work has always centered on the intersection of equity, advocacy, and patient-centered care. “I’ve always been driven by the desire to bridge systems-level decision-making with the lived experiences of patients and communities,” she explains. This aligns seamlessly with the PE Lab’s mission to make research more participatory, inclusive, and impactful—particularly for those who have historically been underrepresented.
A Role That Evolves with Purpose
Over nearly four years as a member of the PE lab team, Catherine’s role has evolved into one that is as strategic as it is people-centered. “It allowed me to bridge systems-level thinking with the real-world application of our research efforts,” she says.
As the PE Lab transitions into a formal Center, Catherine sees her role expanding to strengthen the infrastructure behind the lab’s partnerships—making community collaboration more sustainable, integrated, and far-reaching. “With my background, I see an opportunity to help streamline how we support patient advisors and connect with partners in a way that truly centers their voices.”
The Heart of the Lab: Equity, Impact, and Empathy
When asked what she values most about being part of the PE Lab, Catherine highlights the lab’s foundational values. “As someone who’s passionate about health advocacy, it’s been rewarding to be part of a team that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and impact in such a meaningful way.”
Beyond the Lab: A Creative and Curious Soul
Outside of work, Catherine finds joy in discovering new places and capturing life through a lens. “I love exploring—whether it’s traveling or finding a hidden gem in my neighborhood,” she says. A self-described foodie and passionate photographer, she finds creativity and connection in both her personal and professional life. “Photography lets me find beauty in everyday moments and connect with people and stories in a visual way.”
A Vision for the Future
Catherine hopes the PE Lab’s legacy will be one of transformation in how research is conducted—where patient engagement isn’t an afterthought but a foundational practice. “I want to see a culture shift where patients are not just included but truly heard, valued, and empowered to shape outcomes that affect their lives.”
Words of Wisdom
To those considering joining the PE Lab, Catherine offers this advice:
“It’s not just about research here—it’s really about listening to people, learning from their experiences, and working together. Most importantly, lead with empathy and authenticity. That’s where the real impact begins.”
Through her leadership, vision, and compassion, Catherine Pulicken continues to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare research into a space where every voice matters—and every story helps shape a better future.