David Palmer

David Palmer’s path into healthcare transformation started on the front lines, long before he ever stepped into an improvement role. He began his career in central supply at UC Davis Medical Center and eventually found himself in the Neonatal ICU, where supporting the care of fragile newborns gave him a sense of purpose he hadn’t experienced before. That experience led him into Operational Excellence, where he encountered the Shingo Model, scientific thinking, and a team committed to making care better. The work resonated deeply enough that he pursued graduate study through the Shingo Institute, shaping his belief that improvement, when done well, creates a win for patients, employees, and organizations.