Jamaine Davis, PhD, Meharry Medical College; Stephen Deppen, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Cassianne Robinson-Cohen, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Kim Sandler, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
NASHVILLE, Tenn. The Precision Medicine and Health Disparities Collaborative (PMHDC) is pleased to announce the Year-Three Pilot Project awardees with the following projects:
- Developing a predictive BRCA1 model for breast cancer by integrating structural biology with precision medicine )state: TN) - Jamaine Davis, PhD, Meharry Medical College
- Improving lung cancer screening and biomarker clinical trial enrollment in underserved communities (state: TN) - Stephen Deppen, PhD and Kim Sandler, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Multi-ethnic predictive model of progression to end-stage renal disease (state: TN) - Cassianne Robinson-Cohen, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
These projects aim to strengthen collaboration and motivate innovative research addressing health disparities using approaches that bridge precision medicine (PM) and social and behavioral health.
The next cycle of pilot project funding is already underway. For additional information and details, please contact Brendaly Rodríguez at brodriguez@med.miami.edu.
About the Precision Medicine and Health Disparities Collaborative
The mission of the Precision Medicine and Health Disparities Collaborative is to provide a diverse group of researchers with the infrastructure and resources to develop collaborative research teams that use precision medicine approaches to eliminate disparities in health outcomes, specifically among African Americans and Latinos. Its objectives encompass scientific, educational, and advocacy areas. It fills the cross-training gap between human genomics research and disparities research; generate awareness of immediately addressable disparities and propose practical solutions; and be a resource nationally for disparities knowledge. The combined resources and expertise of our partners will yield extraordinary services and new resources that will propel precision medicine and health disparities research.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Alliance bridges the institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research in three primary areas -- community engagement, interprofessional education and research -- by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the communities they serve. Through community engagement, the Alliance serves a large community of stakeholders including surrounding universities and colleges, community organizations, faith-based outlets and community health centers. Its interprofessional education enhances students' interdisciplinary understanding and improves patient outcomes through integrated care. The research conducted provides access to experienced grant writers and materials supporting the grant application process and facilitates grant-writing workshops.