By building quality initiatives, framework and strategy over the years, she has developed a practical approach to educating medical students, residents, and practicing physicians about performance improvement in their practices. As previous Statewide Competency Director for the Social and Community Context of Healthcare for all nine campuses of Indiana University School of Medicine, she directed the competency curriculum related to cultural competency and quality improvement. As a result of this expertise, she was appointed to and served on the national American Academy of Family Physicians Commission on Education. She has also served as the previous President of the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, and the Chair of the Commission on Finance and Insurance for the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is recognized for her work in Quality Improvement nationally and internationally, with recent speaking and consulting engagements in the Middle East, China and Europe.

Dr. Willis began using Lean quality improvement techniques in 2001 through collaboration with colleagues in business and engineering at Purdue University. Over the years, her collaboration opportunities grew allowing her to work closely with others from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, University of Iowa, and Purdue University to develop Lean Healthcare curriculum modules and teaching videos as part of the EdNet Lean Healthcare Academy. This work has furthered her interest and expertise in patient safety and patient engagement. Dr. Willis works to build team based care in clinical settings and engaging patients as a member of the healthcare team. This allows her to focus on engaging patients in their care.