Paula Allen serves as Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Quality Management at Vista Specialty Hospital - Tucson. She is a healthcare executive committed to advancing patient safety, achieving quality outcomes, and promoting high reliability across organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science, and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. With a foundation built on trust, respect, and transparency, she has developed and led programs in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, infection prevention, employee health, and patient safety.

Her leadership has earned statewide recognition, including the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association’s Quality and Patient Safety Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025. These honors highlighted initiatives such as hospital-wide Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and the integration of High Reliability Organization principles. She is dedicated to collaboration at every level of care, ensuring that patients, families, and teams benefit from safe, effective, and compassionate practices.

Before joining Vista, Paula held leadership roles at Northwest Oro Valley Hospital and Bellin Health System, where she advanced patient safety programs, disclosure practices, and risk mitigation strategies. She has played a key role in cultural transformation through psychological safety, visual management, and evidence-based approaches. Paula is proud of the positive impact her work has on care environments and is excited for Vista Specialty Hospital’s continued role in serving the community.