Dr. Carol Callaway-Lane

About

Dr. Carol Callaway-Lane is a nationally recognized leader in quality improvement, patient safety, and pulmonary care within the Veterans Health Administration. For nearly three decades at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), she has advanced programs that improve care delivery, mentored providers nationwide in quality improvement methods, and provided specialized clinical care for Veterans with complex pulmonary needs. Her work has strengthened both local and national VA initiatives, ensuring Veterans receive the highest standard of care.

Leadership Experience & Service

At TVHS, Dr. Callaway-Lane serves as Director of Operations for the Lung Cancer Screening Program and is a long-standing member of the Research & Development Committee. She has held key national leadership roles within the VA, including directing the Geriatric Scholars Program Quality Improvement Workshop and serving as Associate Program Director of the Nashville VA Quality Scholars Program, mentoring fellows in patient safety and quality improvement.

Professional Focus & Achievements

Dr. Callaway-Lane’s career has centered on advancing healthcare quality and educating providers across the country in evidence-based improvement methods. She was the first doctoral-prepared nurse to graduate from the Nashville site of the VA Quality Scholars Program and later taught Quality Improvement and Patient Safety as an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Her contributions have influenced both education and clinical practice across the VA system.

Current Role & Responsibilities

Clinically, Dr. Callaway-Lane provides care in the general pulmonary clinic and the Lung Nodule Clinic, where she evaluates and manages Veterans with suspected lung cancer. She continues to combine direct patient care with her leadership in program development, bringing a dual focus on innovation and compassionate service to the Veteran community.

Education & Training