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Community Partner Spotlight: Dr. Natalee Kamau and the Special Olympics of Tennessee

hugheshp — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:49:29 +0000

Community Partner Spotlight: Dr. Natalee Kamau and the Special Olympics of Tennessee hugheshp Wed, 09/13/2023 - 15:49 RSS:

We are thrilled to highlight the partnership between the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and the Special Olympics of Tennessee, an organization that aims to enhance the health of athletes who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by Natalee Kamau, DPT, who holds a Master's in occupational therapy and a doctorate in physical therapy. She serves as the Health and Fitness Director for the Special Olympics of Tennessee. The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and Dr. Kamau continue our collaboration to provide interprofessional education (IPE) enrollees opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of disabilities.

Kamau's passion for assisting individuals with disabilities started during her undergraduate studies when she interned at the San Diego Children’s Hospital. Working in the pediatric ward with families sparked her love for clinical rehabilitation, sports, and children. “It filled my cup, and I worked well with [children’s] families,” says Dr. Kamau. Kamau's journey providing care to individuals with disabilities continued when she was recruited by the Special Olympics of Tennessee during an annual fundraiser she hosted for the organization’s athletes. She started as a health coordinator and quickly advanced to her current role.

The Special Olympics of Tennessee is known for providing free health screenings in more than seven health disciplines, making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals with disabilities across the state. Dr. Kamau and her team have a clinical director who oversees the screening process and offers referrals if an athlete needs specialized care. She believes that by training students and health professionals to work with Special Olympics athletes, providers can enhance their capacity and confidence to effectively treat patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kamau is enthusiastic about the prospect of more immersive collaboration with IPE graduate students from the MVA. She proposes involving them in special projects, such as health events, where they can create in-person programs and meet their clinical hour requirements, while also assisting with end-to-end program planning. We applaud her initiative and eagerly anticipate the project outcomes from our IPE students this year.

About the Alliance: Advancing Health Equity Today by Empowering A Diverse Workforce for Tomorrow

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) is a 20+year partnership between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center that serves to advance the shared interests of our institutions and community partners. The MVA is the epicenter of collaboration, capacity-building, and community engagement for health equity in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With your engagement, we can strengthen our ability to help diversify medicine.

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Dr. Winkfield Attends AAMC's "Academic Medicine: What Starts Here Saves Lives" Capitol Hill Reception

hugheshp — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 23:27:41 +0000

Dr. Winkfield Attends AAMC's "Academic Medicine: What Starts Here Saves Lives" Capitol Hill Reception hugheshp Wed, 08/23/2023 - 18:27 RSS:

Brady Ruffin

On June 13, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance participated in the Association of American Medical College (AAMC) for a Capitol Hill reception, celebrating the awareness campaign, Academic Medicine: What starts here saves lives. At the event, the MVA was able to discuss the importance of implementing a comprehensive view of equity in medical education through our programming and events to Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and AAMC member institutions and academic medicine leaders.

Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL.), co-chair of the Congressional Academic Medicine Caucus, and AAMC President and CEO David Skorton, M.D., provided remarks. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) also visited with AAMC member institutions at the reception.  

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance was proud to be surrounded by other academic institutions showcasing their innovative initiatives and programs. Other institutions included The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, ECU Health, Indiana University Health, Cleveland Clinic, University of South Florida Health, and the University of Texas at Tyler. 

To learn more about the AAMC Reception and see how innovations in research, medication education, clinical care, and community collaborations "start” in academic medicine, watch this video.

To learn more about the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, please click here.

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IPE Excellence Continues: Dr. Gary Jones Joins Vibrant Faculty Advisor Group

hugheshp — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:24:43 +0000

IPE Excellence Continues: Dr. Gary Jones Joins Vibrant Faculty Advisor Group hugheshp Mon, 08/21/2023 - 14:24 RSS:

Our Faculty Spotlight celebrates the institutional partners who make the vital connections that drive the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s (MVA) collaborative learning environment.

This August marks the one-year anniversary for Dr. Gary Jones, Interim Coordinator for the MSW program (Master of Social Work) at Tennessee State University. This role that allows him to have a direct impact on the lives of graduate students who matriculate through the advanced social work degree. As an advisor, he oversees student orientation, advises, and supports students throughout their educational journey.

Dr. Jones believes that social work is a field with a wide array of possibilities. He points out that social work provides many avenues for bringing about change, such as community work, clinical work, having one's practice, or being a government employee. One of the unique initiatives that Dr. Jones supports is the Library Social Worker. This non-traditional role “equips libraries with devices to help with overdose issues and provide support to the unhoused who may not be able to get to all the different services available” says Dr. Jones. Library social workers can serve as the nodal point to those services and “bridge the digital divide while opening up space for other community agencies to partner with TSU to ensure that people in the community feel safe and supported.”

Looking ahead, he believes that the top values social workers should cultivate today include being flexible, embracing technology, and using data. He also emphasized the importance of health practitioners better aligning with social workers and working collaboratively, “to provide a strengths-based perspective that breaks generational curses and creates systems that do not profit from people’s mistakes or misfortunes,” states Dr. Jones. Instead, he underscores, “I want to give people opportunities to have a well-rounded life and partner with them in their life journey.”

As for the IPE mission, Dr. Jones says, “this program provides an excellent opportunity for students to collaborate with other disciplines and see how different jobs overlap, creating more opportunities for impactful problem solving, and allowing students to meet other students and health professionals.” Dr. Jones believes health practitioners and social workers have a lot more in common than commonly supposed. He believes the initiative will offer unique experiences and support for students and faculty members. Dr. Jones advocates immersive engagement like the IPE program because students receive training from people at multiple institutions without paying extra tuition making it an optimal professional education.

Dr. Jones quotes Nelson Mandela to highlight the importance of partnership across disciplines, “If you want to go far, go by yourself, if you want to have an impact go with a team.” He will make an outstanding new addition to the vibrant faculty advisor group for the IPE program. To contact Dr. Jones, please visit his departmental listing at TSU.

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The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) is a 20+year partnership between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center that serves to advance the shared interests of our institutions and community partners. The MVA is the epicenter of collaboration, capacity-building, and community engagement for health equity in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With your engagement, we can strengthen our ability to help diversify medicine.

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IPE Excellence Continues: Dr. Amy Rasmussen Joins Vibrant Faculty Advisor Group

hugheshp — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:39:45 +0000

IPE Excellence Continues: Dr. Amy Rasmussen Joins Vibrant Faculty Advisor Group hugheshp Mon, 08/21/2023 - 13:39 RSS:

Our Faculty Spotlight celebrates the institutional partners who make the vital connections that drive the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s (MVA) collaborative learning environment.

Belmont University’s Dr. Amy Rasmussen has found the ideal balance between teaching and interdisciplinary practice. As an Assistant Professor of Nursing and the Director of Professional Development and Innovation at Inman College of Nursing, Dr. Rasmussen witnessed the benefits of working with a diverse team, and now she aims to share the power of collaboration with her students. "I love seeing students' growth and development," she says, adding that "it's so rewarding to witness them take the information you've taught them and use it in the real world and improve the lives of their patients.”

“Teaching is the destiny I never knew I had," Dr. Rasmussen admits. Her goal is to promote interdisciplinary professional development, and she will do so as a new faculty advisor for The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Interprofessional Education Program (IPE).

Rasmussen's first experience with interdisciplinary practice was at an HIV clinic. The clinic had a diverse team of experts, working in concert with one another to provide patients with more than just medical treatment. The team advanced holistic care and helped patients navigate complex lives, addressing issues like feeding their pets or working on relationship issues, especially for people facing end-of-life concerns. The high impact patient engagement at the clinic showed Dr. Rasmussen the true value of healing the whole individual by working with the patient’s own ecosystem. She was inspired to share this knowledge with her students and further integrate the practice of belonging, diversity and inclusion into institutional systems.

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Interprofessional Education Program (IPE) provides a similar experience to students from a variety of health fields. Dr. Rasmussen emphasizes the importance of working with a diverse group of colleagues in solving complex healthcare issues. “Nursing today requires cultural competence; health providers must develop a keen awareness that people have their own views, feelings and ideas about the care they need. Practicing medicine today is about partnering with our patients as complex beings.” She says, "By sharing stories and personal experiences, [faculty advisors and IPE students] can demonstrate the value of interprofessional teamwork and the importance of being part of a collaboration committed to community development."

Dr. Rasmussen's breadth of experience, her commitment to diversity and equity and her determination to improve our health systems make her an excellent new addition to a vibrant group of faculty advisors for the IPE program. For more information about Dr. Rasmussen, visit her page bio.

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IPE Students Showcase Creative Conscientiousness

hugheshp — Fri, 26 May 2023 00:42:09 +0000

IPE Students Showcase Creative Conscientiousness hugheshp Thu, 05/25/2023 - 19:42 RSS:

Brady Ruffin

As soon as you step into the Local Distro, the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, mixed with the intoxicating aroma of savory spices and sizzling carnitas being prepared by Chef Eli and his energetic crew. The space truly integrates the outside into the inside -- showcasing the work of local artisans representing the vibrant culture and history of the Salemtown neighborhood. A “Watch Your Step” sign serves as both a cautionary appeal and a request from Will Radford, owner, to literally watch your step, slowing down, being present and mindful of the intentionally curated communal space. The Local Distro could not be a more perfect venue to showcase the incredible IPE Student Projects.

Since 1999, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) has been focused on creating space and programming for innovative interprofessional education (IPE) collaboration to leave a lasting impact on the Nashville community.

In collaboration with Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and our incredible community partners, the IPE Student Project provides students with an opportunity to work in tandem with local organizations to best address the issues they face.

On April 13^th, the MVA hosted seven student healthcare teams, six community partners, and academic institutions to celebrate another successful collaboration. Taking place at the relationship- and community-oriented Local Distro, the event included presentations from all student groups, as well as award presentations to community partners.

Community partners included the Oasis Center, Dismas House, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Our Place Nashville, Urban Housing Solutions, and Special Olympics of Tennessee.

Jessica Jones, Program Manager for the MVA, has been directing the IPE program for 4 years. At the IPE Student Project Celebration, Jones stated that the students never fail to impress her year after year.

“To the students…thank you for your dedication and innovative approach to addressing some of our community partners’ deepest needs. Every year, I am awestruck at the collaboration that takes place in the IPE Program. I couldn’t be more thankful for you all, our faculty, and our invaluable community partners,” Jones stated.

Check out poster presentations stream from the 2022-2023 IPE Student Project Celebration in the video below.

About the IPE Student Project:

The inter-institutional, interprofessional education (IPE) student project, hosted by the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, provides an opportunity for students from various health professions programs in the Nashville area to collaborate with community partners in a real-world setting. Guided by our partnering community organizations, a team of professionally diverse students will create and implement plans of action to address real community-defined needs. For more information about the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program and Student Project, please visit www.meharry-vanderbilt.org/IPE.

About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance:

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since 1999, faculty, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members have worked with the MVA to address health disparities. The MVA is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships, building community capacity, and facilitating research and learning opportunities. We seek to promote resources and assets that strengthen connections between our institutions, partners, and the populations they serve.

Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

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Staff Spotlight: Dr. Freneka Minter Demonstrates Mindfulness That Empowers

hugheshp — Thu, 25 May 2023 23:17:57 +0000

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Freneka Minter Demonstrates Mindfulness That Empowers hugheshp Thu, 05/25/2023 - 18:17 RSS:

Brady Ruffin

Our Staff Spotlight celebrates the team of individuals who play a vital role in the programming, engagement, events, and research that propels the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance forward, resulting in sustainable impact for the Nashville community.

Dr. Freneka F. Minter, Ph.D., MS, MCHES, PMP, CCRP, a native of Murfreesboro, TN, serves as the Sr. Community Research Program Manager at the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance. Dr. Minter leads the MVA’s Faculty Affiliate Program and plays a vital role on the MVA Research Team.

Here are some highlights from Dr. Minter’s spotlight interview:

What made you decide to start working in the health sector?

“I got into chemistry in high school, I was in the Project SEED program and chemistry was required with the program. I realized I was good at chemistry and that opened the doors to my next step: college. I had no aspiration to go to college; I am the first in my maternal family to go and complete college. One college course required us to perform a genealogy chart to understand our family’s health history—and this project opened my eyes to factors that I was predisposed to and how important it was for people like me to be in the health sector.”

How has being a native Tennessean played a role in your approach to your work?

“It has definitely played a role in understanding the communities that I work with. For example, faith and faith-based communities were a large part of my upbringing. Both of my grandfathers were pastors and I have been in the same church all my life—and that type of community, faith-based communities, are a big part of my experience as a Tennessean. Growing up, the whole community, the whole village took care of me— “it takes a village” is really how I was raised…my village was not only my neighborhood but also my church family. Understanding this first-hand has been vital to my approach to my work.”

Tell us about your journey to the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance:

“Well, it definitely has not been linear! I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great organizations like MTSU’s Center for Health and Human Services, the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program with the Tennessee Department of Health, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Biomedical Informatics. Each of these positions taught me different lessons, but all pointing me in the direction of listening to the voices that are on the ‘outside looking in’…something I feel very strongly about. Which brought me here, to the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance…continuing to elevate the voices that traditionally haven’t been listened to…”

What excites you about the work at the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance?

“Talking and working with the community. Making sure they feel valued and feel like they have been listened to. From talking to a faculty member about a consultation request—helping them get their work done or helping move their research forward—to working with students that may feel lost or don’t know where to start. That is what excites me. My thing is helping people. Whether it be with their health or helping them move a health problem forward or helping them arrive to a solution—that’s what I want to do. I want to help people.”

What things do you like to do outside of work?

I love to sing. I used to sing back up for a gospel choir, and that was such a source of joy. I also enjoy volunteering in the Nashville community. Outside of that, I love to dance (mostly Latin and Hip-Hop) and singing karaoke is a guilty pleasure…”

How do you practice mindfulness or take time for yourself?

Something I love to do for mindfulness is go for walks. I sometimes even intentionally schedule them in my calendar to take 15-minute breaks and walk outside. I don’t always stick to it! But it is a great reminder to take time for yourself and be connected to nature—especially during the springtime.

What is your favorite place to eat in Nashville/Middle Tennessee?

“It may be a little bougie… but I love Bob’s Chop House in downtown Nashville. They have the BEST pickles in Nashville—and I am a pickle fanatic! It’s for sure a place to go as a treat.”

Dr. Minter is a way-maker…a mover AND a shaker whose motto, “No Obstacle Before Me,” has taught her the importance of self-advocacy and perseverance. She values connection, community, and compassion and serves as a source of joy for the MVA team.

Join us in thanking Dr. Minter for all the impactful work she does at the MVA!

When asked to describe herself in three words, Dr. Minter chose “humble, driven, and supportive.” How would the rest of the MVA team describe Dr. Minter in three words? Well, see below.

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Student Spotlight: Gorav Gupta, Meharry Medical College

ruffintb — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:46:56 +0000

Student Spotlight: Gorav Gupta, Meharry Medical College ruffintb Wed, 04/05/2023 - 12:46 RSS:

Our Student Spotlight celebrates student members of the Meharry-Vanderbilt community, whose achievements reflect the MVA’s commitment to enhance and support high-impact translational research, interprofessional learning, and community engagement. This month, the MVA talked with Gorav Gupta from Meharry Medical College.

Where are you headed for your residency?

George Washington University Hospital for a four-year residency. I’m looking forward to moving closer to my family. GW is one of the more diverse faculty andresidency programs in the country. I wanted to go to a program where they’re not just serving and helping a diverse population but seeing those values reflected in the faculty as well. I’m really looking forward to working within that kind of ecosystem.

What is your specialty and why did you choose it?

Anesthesiology. My first real experience with anesthesiology was when I was younger, probably around 5th grade. My mom needed chronic pain treatment after an accident and then later on, my rotations were exposed to the field. The anesthesiologists I worked with seemed to really love their work, they were the most helpful and seemed to enjoy being there at the job.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

I always wanted to be a doctor. My parents aren’t in the medical field, but I have uncles and aunts who are doctors. I admired the fact that they knew so much. In fact, you never stop learning in this field. For example, my uncle who is a doctor, does photography, studies astrology, and knows a lot of random facts about so many things. Doctors have a passionate curiosity about the world, and I wanted to cultivate that for myself.

How has the MVSA (Meharry Vanderbilt Student Alliance) been beneficial?

When I first joined MVSA it was right as COVID hit, and most club activities had stopped. The MVSA went into hiatus. At the beginning of my tenure as a student, I admit I didn’t use its resources as much as I do now. One feature of the MVSA is its research mentors. And the MVSA helps foster communication and work with other schools. At the end of the day, MVSA taught me communication skills with students and faculty at other schools as well as staying connected with Meharry graduates who are working at VUMC. This was invaluable for me when I needed guidance moving forward. I highly recommend the MVSA for both medical and dental students. How often do medical students get to interact with medical students from other schools? It only makes sense that we get to know each other and work with each other. MVSA is one of the organizations that facilitate collaboration between medical students.

What wisdom can you share with folks dreaming of careers in the medical sciences?

It seems, at least at first, that it’s a long hard journey but remember that anything in life worth doing will have setbacks and hurdles. The four years of medical school go by in an instant. There are always people that want to help you, people that will help you. Medical school is not impossible. You just need to have the right mindset and outlook.

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Student Spotlight: Ekiomoado A. Olumese, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

ruffintb — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:39:43 +0000

Student Spotlight: Ekiomoado A. Olumese, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine ruffintb Wed, 04/05/2023 - 12:39 RSS:

Where are you headed for your residency?

University of Chicago for Emergency Medicine. It’s a 3-year residency where I will spend a lot of my time in the ER, but also will rotate in several intensive care units, including the trauma ICU, medical ICU, cardiac ICU, and the surgical ICU. I’ll also spend some time on Labor and Delivery and Anesthesia services, and a few other services. Outside of the ER, I am excited to mentor underrepresented students of various levels and to engage in health advocacy work with the South Side community.

What is your specialty and why did you choose it?

During rotations in med school, I found myself drawn to the sickest patients and really found that I enjoyed the variety and pace of the emergency room. I realized I wanted to be there to support patients through days that could be some of the worst in their lives. A lot of healthcare disparities converge and emerge in the emergency room. I want to provide equitable care to patients and connect them with resources to limit their visits to the emergency room. Additionally, I began growing my professional interest in Global health during my Master's program in Health, Medicine and Society from the University of Cambridge in England. Within Health, Medicine and Society, they had a concentration on the History of Medicine, and I got to delve into the effects of colonialism on Sierra Leone’s healthcare policy and contemporary repercussions. When I chose my specialty of emergency medicine, I began a global pediatric emergency medicine project based in Sierra Leone and aspire to continue relationships I’ve built with healthcare providers there. I would like to continue working with them to increase infrastructure for emergency medicine and emergency medical training.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

Back when I was in middle school, I was introduced to medicine and scientific research. I was part of a summer science program for students from underrepresented backgrounds. For a while I thought I was going to go into scientific research and planned to become an environmental engineer. However, I realized I was drawn to the idea of understanding the illness experience to treat the whole person, while also connecting with people. Pairing the hard sciences with humanistic sides lead me to the path of becoming a doctor.

How has the MVSA (Meharry Vanderbilt Student Alliance) been beneficial?

I would recommend the MVSA to incoming students because I find it so important to build connections across medical schools. Additionally, Vanderbilt and Meharry students may have opportunities to rotate at each other’s hospitals to see a variety of patient populations, join in each other's community service work, and collaborate on research projects.

What wisdom can you share with folks dreaming of careers in the medical sciences?

If you have an opportunity to learn something new, to be a part of a project, do it. Even if it's something that you're not familiar with or something new for you. If you're interested, follow it. The best thing to do when you're young is to follow your passions and see where they take you. I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't try to pursue other interests before coming to medical school. Work becomes easier when you go into the field you enjoy doing. And don’t be afraid to change your mind several times along the way! Take advantage of opportunities that you have along the way.

I didn't have any doctors in my family and my parents didn't grow up in the US, and I know that is shared among many of us going into medicine. A lot of the struggles was trying to navigate the SAT or MCAT for the first time on my own. The best advocate for you is going to be you, and don't be afraid to be proud of your accomplishments and to really let people know what your interests are and the things that you've done. A lot of times, we as black women, in the name of being humble, talk ourselves down. We should be proud of what we've done. We shouldn’t be afraid to show what we know. Find mentors and champions that can support you and connect with you. I could not have gotten through medical school, let alone undergrad or K-12, without mentors supporting me along the way. Whether it’s your teacher, coach, community organization leader, parent, find whoever is going to help you advocate for yourself and anticipate your needs along the way in your journey.

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MVA Hosts Dr. Clayton C. Yates in Conversation with MMC Students

ruffintb — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:04:38 +0000

MVA Hosts Dr. Clayton C. Yates in Conversation with MMC Students ruffintb Fri, 03/10/2023 - 17:04 RSS:

On Friday, February 24, 2023, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) hosted Dr. Clayton C. Yates, John R. Lewis Professor of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University and Director for Translational Health Disparities and Global Health Equity Research at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, for a discussion with students about his career journey and professional development.

Students from Meharry Medical College and Pearl Cohn High School were able to participate in an intimate conversation with Dr. Yates while asking questions about his experiences in his vast career. Dr. Yates embarked words of wisdom and tips to navigate the medical school experience as he reminded students of the power of having a “a career of ideas.”

Dr. Karen Winkfield, Executive Director of the MVA, thanked Dr. Yates for intentionally spending time with students at MMC while lending his insight as a member of the HBCU community. Dr. Winkfield moderated the discussion while also sharing the successes and obstacles she faced throughout her career.

Dr. Clayton Yates is an internationally recognized expert in prostate cancer health disparities research, cell biology, molecular biology, and molecular pathology. Before joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Yates served as a professor at Tuskegee University in the Department of Biology and Center for Cancer Research. Dr. Yates earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Pathology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine Department of Urology.

Dr. Yates served as the Keynote Speaker at the 22nd Annual Meharry-Vanderbilt-Tennessee State University Cancer Partnership (MVTCP) Symposium, where he presented his research on immuno-oncology targets in patients with African ancestry.

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance team would like to thank Dr. Clayton C. Yates for his incredibly thoughtful perspective, engaging conversation, and energizing calls-to-action. Thank you, Dr. Yates!

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Community Partner Spotlight: Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center

ruffintb — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:17:30 +0000

Community Partner Spotlight: Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center ruffintb Tue, 03/07/2023 - 15:17 RSS:

Our Community Partner Spotlight highlights organizations that work with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) to eliminate health disparities in the communities they serve.

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is proud to highlight the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) in our Community Partner Spotlight this month. Serving more than 18,000 patients each year, the MWCHC provides access to quality and affordable health care through their clinical work in Nashville, Smyrna, and Clarksville.

The MWCHC aims to provide care for the whole individual. By providing opportunities for primary health care, dental care, and specialty care, MWCHC is able to properly address the obstacles and barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the care that they need. From an onsite pharmacy filling prescriptions nearly 45-50% cheaper than conventional pharmacies, to providing disease screening and translation services to patients that may need assistance navigating health insurance enrollment, the MWCHC intentionally prioritizes the individual patient–empowering them to take control of their health journey.

When asked about MWCHC’s vision for impact, Cathy Hunt, Development Director for MWCHC, ties it back to the legacy of Dr. Matthew Walker himself:

"Dr. Walker identified a need for a reimagined health care environment in Nashville…one that respected the rich history of the black community and the value of building relationships and trust… that vision is still central to our work and impact today.”

The Legacy of Dr. Matthew Walker

A graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr. became one of the first African Americans voted into the Nashville Academy of Medicine, and in 1961, was named to the Board of Hospital Commissioners of Nashville General Hospital. Dr. Walker founded the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. from funding he received after making a direct request to President Nixon.

Dr. Walker’s legacy can be felt in Nashville, the state of Tennessee, and beyond. At the time of his passing, Dr. Walker is credited for training half of African American physicians in the United States–some of which are still practicing today. Throughout his four-decade long career at Meharry, Dr. Walker is considered one of the most renowned professors, intentional mentors, and successful advocates for accessible care in the Nashville community. In 2018, Dr. Walker was inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame.

55 Years of Providing Affordable and Quality Health Care

Looking toward the future, the MWCHC stands ready to continue providing their patients with high-quality, equitable and affordable care. This year, the Center is celebrating their 55th Anniversary. In March, MWCHC is preparing to host a “A Legacy of Healthcare,” an in-person breakfast (for dinner) honoring the life of Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr.

The breakfast will take place Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Cal Turner Family Center. Breast specialist, Dr. Robin Williams, MD, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Antoinne Able will receive the Dr. Matthew Walker Sr. Legacy Award, Former State Senator Brenda Gilmore will receive the Michelle B. Marrs Advocacy Award, and four Meharry students exemplifying community service and commitment to public health will be recognized and awarded scholarships. While this event is free to the public, donations are highly encouraged and will benefit Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center.

Join us in celebrating the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center’s 55th Anniversary! The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is thankful for the opportunity to support and collaborate with the MWCHC. Thank you for being an outstanding community partner!

For more information about the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, please visit www.mwchc.org. For more information about “A Legacy of Healthcare” Breakfast benefitting MWCHC, please click here.

About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance: The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since 1999, faculty, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members have worked with the MVA to address health disparities. The MVA is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships, building community capacity, and facilitating research and learning opportunities. We seek to promote resources and assets that strengthen connections between our institutions, partners, and the populations they serve.

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Regina Offodile, MD, MMHC, MHPE, MSPH, CHSE

ruffintb — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:32:46 +0000

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Regina Offodile, MD, MMHC, MHPE, MSPH, CHSE ruffintb Tue, 01/31/2023 - 09:32 RSS:

Brady Ruffin

Our Faculty Spotlight celebrates the institutional partners who make the vital connections that drive the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s (MVA) collaborative learning environment.

Join us this month in celebrating esteemed Meharry Medical College (MMC) faculty member and MVA Interprofessional Education (IPE) Faculty Collaborative co-director Regina Offodile, MD, MMHC, MHPE, MSPH, CHSE. We are proud to highlight her contributions and impact throughout the years on the IPE Student Project, annual opportunity for students from various health profession programs to collaborate with local partners to brainstorm ways to improve the community.

“Dr. Offodile has been an instrumental part of the IPE program and it has been such a privilege getting to see the intention and dedication she brings to the table,” said Jessica Jones, Program Manager with the MVA.

In January, members of the MVA IPE Faculty Collaborative, MMC, and VUMC communities joined together to celebrate Dr. Offodile’s impact and accomplishments. The breakfast event was held at the MVA office where friends, colleagues, students, and faculty members were able to give thanks to Dr. Offodile and wish her well on her next professional journey.

Dr. Offodile will return to Charles R. Drew University (CDU) College of Medicine, her alma mater, as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. In her new role, she will oversee student well-being, medical student life, student services, and on-campus activities. She will be also responsible for student support, student behavior and evaluation, admissions, new medical student orientation, career advising, and student learning societies.

Dr. Offodile joins the CDU community following her role as Interim Department Chair of Medical Education, Division Chief of Clinical Skills and Competencies, and Director of the Pamela C. Williams Center for Clinical Skills and Simulation at Meharry Medical College.

Please join us in gratitude to wish Dr. Offodile a happy and productive next step on her professional journey! Her wisdom, passion, and contributions will be greatly missed.

“We look forward to staying up-to-date on all the incredible work Dr. Offodile will do in her next position,” Jones said. “While her presence will be missed, her impact on the IPE Program will always be felt and admired…we’re thankful for you, Dr. Offodile!”

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. The Alliance serves a large community of stakeholders through community engagement, 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. Conducted research provides access to experienced grant writers and materials supporting the grant application process and facilitates grant-writing workshops.

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Brady Ruffin Joins MVA as Program Manager

ruffintb — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:44:46 +0000

Brady Ruffin Joins MVA as Program Manager ruffintb Tue, 01/24/2023 - 16:44 RSS:

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Thomas Brady Ruffin, M.P.S., recently joined the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) as a program manager, leading external communications while supporting Dr. Karen Winkfield’s, executive director of the MVA, strategic vision. Ruffin is an experienced leader in community engagement, strategic communications, community-based research, media relations, and issue advocacy at the local, state, and national levels.

Public Service and Engagement Background

A native of Mississippi, Ruffin graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Public Policy. He then attended the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service where he received his Master of Public Service (M.P.S.).

“Attending the Clinton School of Public Service granted me the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of intentional community engagement while providing me the space to learn, serve, and grow as a public servant," Ruffin stated.

In 2018, Ruffin was honored as the first male McLarty Scholar with the Vital Voices Global Partnership in Washington, D.C. As a McLarty Scholar, Ruffin was a research and data analyst, performing a social network analysis of the Vital Voices network and implementing a new virtual framework for the women empowerment NGO’s contribution mapping research.

Impacting the Nashville Community

Ruffin moved to Nashville in 2019 to serve as the Director of Research and Policy at Cooley Public Strategies, a public affairs firm specializing in community engagement, healthcare, and environmental work. While at CPS, Ruffin led all research and policy initiatives for clients across multiple sectors while catalyzing partnerships with an array of organizations across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

“I consider myself particularly lucky to work with a wide variety of impactful Nashville organizations… Nashville has a palpable energy that can only be attributed to the diversity, resiliency, and resolve of the community here... and I am so thankful to be a part of this vibrant community,” Ruffin said.

In the Nashville community, Ruffin serves on the Board of Directors for Nashville Pride and was selected as a member of Nashville Young Leaders Council (Class 78). Ruffin also serves as the Chair of the Clinton School of Public Service Alumni Board.

Continued Community Engagement at MVA

In 2022, Ruffin took a leap of faith to explore professional opportunities in equity-centric spaces. After conversations with Dr. Winkfield and members of the MVA team, Ruffin was confident that the MVA was the right fit for him.

“The MVA has been a pillar in Nashville since 1999," Ruffin states. "I look forward to working with Dr. Winkfield and the entire MVA team as we continue to serve as a resource to our community partners and build intentional bridges to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities."

Ruffin will be working closely with the MVA team to lead communications, build sustainable relationships with community partners, and support Dr. Winkfield's vision of advancing inter-institutional collaborations, enhancing high-impact translational research, and supporting inter-professional learning and community engagement.

About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance:

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Dr. Calandra Whitted Joins MVA as Sr. Social Scientist

ruffintb — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:28:30 +0000

Dr. Calandra Whitted Joins MVA as Sr. Social Scientist ruffintb Fri, 01/20/2023 - 09:28 RSS:

Brady Ruffin

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Calandra Whitted, DrPH to the MVA team. Dr. Whitted joins the MVA as a Senior Social Scientist, primarily focusing on the coordination of community-based health equity research, engagement, and outreach within the Meharry-Vanderbilt-Tennessee State University Cancer Partnership (MVTCP).

“I am looking forward to reconnecting with Meharry and Vanderbilt colleagues as we enhance partnerships, research, and community work with the MVA,” Dr. Whitted said.

Extensive and Established Experience

Dr. Whitted’s professional career has been centered around research in the field of social and behavioral genomics, specifically in minority and underserved communities. She most recently served as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the driving force behind advancing genomics research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has also held various research positions at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In 2019, Dr. Whitted was named a 2021-2023 Human Genetics Scholar with the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), an initiative focused on increasing and supporting workforce diversity in the human genetics and genomics research community.

When asked to reflect on the most rewarding component of her career, Dr. Whitted considers the opportunity to mentor students to be the most fulfilling.

“The most rewarding experience has been being able to provide mentorship to up and coming scientists or public health professionals and seeing them flourish in their own careers,” Whitted explains. “I’ve had the opportunity to mentor students from high school to the doctoral level, which has allowed me to shape the futures of others…seeing them grow is very rewarding.”

Returning to the Meharry Medical College Community

This is not the first time Dr. Whitted has been a part of the Meharry Medical College family. Dr. Whitted received her Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) from Meharry Medical College in 2008. Nearly 15 years later, she is excited to be returning to a community that embraced her from the beginning.

“It means a lot to be back in the Meharry space. Having Meharry trained clinicians in my community was a key influence for me to attend MMC initially,” Whitted stated. “Meharry has always been a leader in producing a diverse workforce of clinicians, scientists, and public health professionals…it’s very important to be able to support faculty and students contributing to diversity in our medicine and healthcare systems.”

After graduating from Meharry Medical College, Dr. Whitted obtained her Doctor of Public Health degree in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from another notable HBCU—Florida A&M University.

About Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

Founded in 1999, the MVA 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 MVA 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.

Dr. Calandra Whitted, DrPH

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Equity and Engagement Café

ruffintb — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:17:29 +0000

Equity and Engagement Café ruffintb Wed, 12/21/2022 - 09:17 RSS:

Jessica Jones, MS, PMP

Equity and Engagement Café – Bringing together Health Equity and Community Engagement

“Begin thinking of ways to start” … “end with the checkbox culture." -reflective anonymous comment

Long-awaited opportunities for in-person networking were celebrated after the inaugural Equity and Engagement Café, a collaborative effort of Meharry Medical College (MMC), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), and the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA), hosted on November 29, 2022. Community members, trainees, researchers, and clinicians gathered at the Tennessee State Museum to listen as three featured panelists discussed health equity work in their respective communities: 1) Chelsei Granderson, MPH of Tennessee Department of Health 2) Aima Ahonkhai, MD, MPH of VUMC and 3) Stephania Miller-Hughes, PhD, MS, MSCI of Meharry Medical College.

Moderator, Dr. Karen Winkfield, Executive Director of the MVA, challenged stakeholders attending this inaugural café “to embrace health equity in ways specific to your work that can drive each other to success.”

Ms. Granderson described valuable personal and professional lessons learned on her journey to “helping people be healthy” as a health equity champion. Her perspective of “moving at the speed of trust” when working with the community set the tone of the evening’s discussions. Dr. Ahonkhai echoed her message by demonstrating how shared leadership promoted trust resulting in evidence-based “interventions developed that make sense for their needs,” which happens when we (researchers) “listened to the answers to the questions.” Finally, Dr. Miller-Hughes concluded by helping us understand the need for tailored health research optimization for groups carrying the heaviest burdens of disease with the ultimate goal of moving research from a testing environment to actionable health equity promotions.

Following the panel discussion and questions and answers session, Networking B-I-N-G-O prompted attendees to engage with new acquaintances. To exit the event, attendees reflected on ways to make their work more equitable:

“Incorporate program participants more in the design of programming.”
“Discuss involving students in trainees in equity and community engagement activities.”
“How to work with not for the community”

Many thanks to the Equity & Engagement Café Planning Committee, Dr. Sunil Kripalani (VUMC), Dr. Mekeila Cook (MMC), Tamarra McElroy (VUMC), Virginia Fuqua-Meadows (MVA) and Jessica Jones (MVA).

“This event was so thought-provoking and well done. Thank you!”

To receive notification of subsequent Equity & Engagement Cafés, click here to register to receive Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance news and updates. Visit our webpage and complete a request form to consult with our staff concerning your needs.

Additional comments from reflection EXIT Tickets

Learn more about resources for my patients-do they all have access to the same thing?-No
Begin thinking of ways to start.
This event was so thought-provoking and well done. Thank you!
Encourage trainees to seek careers in community-engaged projects.
Discuss involving students in trainees in equity and community engagement activities.

Assess the community partners' values.
Research engagement strategies.
How to work with not for community how to build a team with representation from the community.
End the checkbox culture.
“Work at the speed of trust.” Chelsei Granderson

Dr. Karen Winkfield, Dr. Jeannette South-Paul & MMC Student Kafayat Kareem

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Call for Virtual Poster Presentations

jamestw1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:52:44 +0000

Call for Virtual Poster Presentations jamestw1 Thu, 10/13/2022 - 12:52 RSS:

In conjunction with the Inaugural Clifton K. Meador, MD Lectureship the Meharry Vanderbilt Alliance would like to announce the Inaugural Clifton K. Meador Health Equity Virtual Poster Session!

Student posters that reflect research and/or programs dedicated to improving access to quality health care for marginalized communities, in the greater Nashville area, are eligible for submission.

This poster session is open to students from Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and Tennessee State University. All virtual poster presentations must be submitted by Monday, October 24th, at 5:00 p.m.

Click HERE for poster requirements, judging criteria, and submission requirements.

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HERO Project assess strength and gaps in health care

jamestw1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:44:29 +0000

HERO Project assess strength and gaps in health care jamestw1 Thu, 10/13/2022 - 11:44 RSS:

HERO (Healthcare Workers Exposure Response and Outcomes) is a program coordinated by the Duke Clinical Research Institute and funded by the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI) to understand pandemic-related risk factors, perspectives, and challenges experienced by healthcare workers and the larger community.

The HERO Registry is a virtual community of adult healthcare workers and their surrounding families and community members in the United States, offering them an opportunity to share their COVID-related experiences, which may serve as a starting point for research studies. Over 55,000 people who work in healthcare or know healthcare workers, including family and community members, have shared information as part of the HERO Registry on what it is like to work and live during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the registry's success in recruiting over 55 thousand participants, those enrolled are disproportionately White, Non-Hispanic, and female. Also, certain health professions and healthcare worker roles, such as supporting roles, have little to no representation. The lack of participant diversity will affect research studies because participants should reflect the healthcare community's diversity, culture, conditions, race, ethnicity, gender, age, role, etc. Lack of diversity has ethical and research consequences, such as limiting our ability to use the study results to benefit some populations. The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) are experts in clinical and community-engaged collaboration, education, research, and health equity.

The MVA team (Dr. Freneka Minter and Jack Wong, MPH), under the direction of Dr. Karen Winkfield, led a Diversity Enhancement Initiative which assessed strengths and gaps in the registry's digital presence and the promotional toolkit using community engagement methods and compiled best practices and recommendations for implementation. The community engagement methods included virtual Community Engagement Studios (CES) with diverse members of healthcare workers serving in supporting roles and Semi-Structured Interviews with Healthcare Worker (HCW) Subcommittee members.

CES allows researchers to get community insight or gain valuable information from the target population to enhance the research. In CES, the community or target population serves as experts. At the beginning of the CES, the researcher gives a brief presentation about the research project and poses specific questions to the community experts. A neutral facilitator from the Vanderbilt Institute of Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) Community Engagement (CE) team guides the discussion to foster honest and constructive feedback.

To prepare for a successful CES, the researcher provides items discussed to community experts to review before. Two studios were convened at a time convenient to the community experts to capture initial thoughts, general thoughts, what it means to them, what is good about it, and what can be improved or done differently regarding imagery and language. The community experts, consisting of diverse hourly health care workers primarily in support roles, including housekeeping, CNAs, transport, medical assistants, etc., were compensated for their participation to optimize community participation.

The VICTR CE team provided the MVA with a full summary and community experts' feedback and recommendations. Some of the recommendations included:

Diverse imagery and video representation
More frequent, dynamic social media posts
Collaboration with major entities to promote the Registry
Engagement of existing HERO participants as Registry ambassadors
Increase website/social media traffic by developing a mechanism for HERO participants/HCWs to connect

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the HCW subcommittee members to get their input regarding their knowledge of the registry, lessons learned, and recommendations to foster diverse recruitment. An MVA team member interviewed nine subcommittee members, and their responses were compiled into a short report. Overall, the subcommittee members saw value in the registry but felt more could be done. They also expressed that it is essential to voice concerns shared by others in their profession or with their same racial/ethnic identity. Subcommittee members also expressed certainty that their close contacts have joined the HERO Registry, but they are unsure of the effectiveness of their broader recruitment efforts. Regarding recruitment strategies targeting new, diverse HERO Registry participants, they recommended clear, tailored messaging about the value of participation beyond research. While the platform establishes a connection to other HCWs, subcommittee members feel it can do more to generate broad community support and amplify HCW voices on issues beyond COVID-19.

Since implementing community-engaged methods, some of the changes made were a digital refresh of the website. These website changes include diverse imagery, including visible-facing FAQs for HERO Registry participants to answer questions about the registry, video testimony from a HERO Registry member on the importance of the program, and quotes on quotes on what it's like to be a Registry member. Also, the HERO communications team have been posting targeted messaging to those in supporting health care roles and diverse imagery on their social media posts. The work was recently highlighted on the HERO Research Team’s blog at: https://heroesresearch.org/hero-registry-diverse-representation-matters/

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Florence Supports Diversity in Clinical Trials Through a Partnership with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

jamestw1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:37:12 +0000

Florence Supports Diversity in Clinical Trials Through a Partnership with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance jamestw1 Thu, 10/13/2022 - 11:37 RSS:

Florence Healthcare is committed to supporting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in clinical trials, both through the use of its software and philanthropic investment in the community. Earlier this year, Florence’s executive leadership reached out to their colleagues and asked how Florence could do more to support diversity initiatives at the local level.

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) offered an answer to this question. Florence could fund an internship for a Meharry Medical College physician interested in connecting with underserved patients and helping them engage in clinical trials.

Black physicians are underrepresented in medicine and often face discrimination, making Meharry Medical College’s work as a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) medical school vitally important. Florence’s fellowship allows a Meharry graduate to work on a range of clinical trials that serve underrepresented patients through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance.

The fellowship recipient for 2022 is Dr. Shantal Salandy, a Meharry graduate with a passion for pediatric medicine and mental health in underserved children and teens. When asked about her internship, she said, “My role is to break barriers when it comes to reaching out to underrepresented patients and introducing them to clinical trials.”

Keep reading to learn about the process of building a diversity internship and how Dr. Salandy’s work will give more patients access to research.

How to Build a Diversity Internship

Faced with the prospect of creating a clinical trial diversity internship from scratch, Catherine Gregor, Florence’s Chief Clinical Trials Officer, turned to Dr. Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD. Dr. Winkfield is the Executive Director of MVA, as well as a presidential appointee to the National Cancer Advisory Board. Her work is largely focused on health equity and improving patient access to cancer care across all populations.

Dr. Winkfield and her team suggested supporting a doctor who had graduated from Meharry but not yet started their residency. This physician would gain experience in clinical trials while also working with underrepresented populations.

Gregor and Dr. Winkfield’s teams structured the internship role, determining that the physician would create a poster presentation for a major clinical research conference at the end of 9 months. They would also give a presentation to Florence on barriers to patient recruitment and inclusive clinical trial design.

“This program is exciting from a larger clinical trials perspective; in that it is not only an opportunity to learn more about patient engagement and barriers to participation, it is also an opportunity to contribute to the growth and diversification of the workforce by getting more physicians of different backgrounds involved in clinical research,” said Gregor.

Unfortunately, 49% of investigators participate in just one clinical trial and never return. By giving physicians, especially diverse physicians, more training and support, MVA and Florence hope to reduce that number.

In addition to working with clinical trial patients, Dr. Salandy will have the opportunity to attend Florence events, like the Research Revolution clinical trials conference.

When asked why she chose to apply for the internship, Dr. Salandy said, “Florence is giving me the opportunity to learn about translational and clinical research post-medical school and to determine if it’s right for me.”

Dr. Salandy’s Health Equity Mission

Dr. Salandy decided she wanted to work in pediatric medicine when she was 6 years old. “I knew I wanted to do pediatric medicine because I love children and babies,” she says. But her desire to work with children is accompanied by a desire to improve health equity.

The same year she applied to medical school, Dr. Salandy worked with AmeriCorps as a community health worker in NYC. She provided:

Educational sessions on harm reduction and overdose prevention
Links to inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs
Treatment for Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx

This experience brought her face-to-face with multiple health inequalities.

“For example, a lot of medication for HIV treatment was mostly geared toward white, gay males,” Dr. Salandy points out. “Men who identified as black and gay or women who were at high risk for HIV and AIDS weren’t getting treatment for years after it was already available. And they were left out of a lot of the clinical trials.”

Although health inequalities with HIV treatment began in the 80s and 90s, they persist today–as do inequalities caused by the opioid pandemic. “A lot of the research was geared toward white families and white individuals who have used drugs, but not to Black or Hispanic families,” says Dr. Salandy.

“And in New York, there’s a huge epidemic of HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C transmission going on specifically because of IV drug use. So new treatments for HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C ties into the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and also to clinical trials.” This tie-in prompted Dr. Salandy to apply for the Florence-MVA internship.

If you’d like to learn more about improving health equity in clinical trials, the Florence team offers the following resources:

Partnering with Florence and the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

At Meharry Medical College, Dr. Salandy continued her commitment to diversity and inclusion, joining the Student National Medical Association’s HIV/AIDS Subcommittee and leading harm reduction initiatives on campus.

She also continued her commitment to pediatric health. “Kids are still a huge part of the medical community that gets overlooked. They often miss out on treatments because we don’t know how they’re going to affect them.”

Dr. Salandy wants to see more of a focus on mental health and the management of chronic illnesses among children. This means building trust with their families and making trials more patient-centric. “Their family and their community may not be comfortable giving kids medication. Whether that means psychological medications or taking preventative medicine for HIV while pregnant.”

“Kids also get left out of conversations about mental health in general. There’s a lot we don’t know about identifying and treating mental health needs in kids.”

By participating in the Florence-MVA diversity internship, Dr. Salandy hopes to bring clinical trials to patients that have often been excluded from them, including Black patients, Latino patients, and children.

The internship has already given her the opportunity to work with an HPV vaccine trial. Her role is to survey parents and guardians on whether they’ll choose HPV vaccination for their children and why. In the process, she hopes to learn more about how to build trust with families from underrepresented communities.

“My role is to break barriers when it comes to reaching out to underrepresented patients and introducing them to clinical trials. We need to find out what those barriers are and how to overcome them so we can better reach local communities,” Dr. Salandy says. She plans for her internship to begin this process.

The Results of the Florence-MVA Internship

As of this writing, Dr. Salandy is involved in helping the HPV vaccine trial earn Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. She hopes to continue learning more about clinical trials before presenting to Florence and creating her research poster in February 2023. She will then begin her residency.

After Dr. Salandy’s departure, Florence will continue supporting internships and fellowships to make clinical trials more inclusive.

As Catherine Gregor said in a presentation for Pharmaceutical Executive, “In terms of clinical trial staff, we want people in the room who look like the patients we’re trying to reach. We want to make sure that we have people who are representative of all cultures, all sexual orientations, and all socioeconomic backgrounds because they’re the ones who are able to make genuine connections and establish trust.”

With this in mind, Florence and the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance are committed to supporting diverse clinical research teams who can serve underrepresented patients.

To learn more about the movement toward diversity and inclusion in clinical trials, check out Catherine Gregor’s discussion of the FDA 2022 diversity guidelines and how clinical trial organizations can not only follow them but go beyond them.

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IPE Orientation

jamestw1 — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:38:37 +0000

IPE Orientation jamestw1 Wed, 10/12/2022 - 15:38 RSS:

Jessica Jones

Since its inception in 1999, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) has sought to create innovative avenues for interprofessional education (IPE) collaboration leave a lasting impact on the Nashville community through strategic partnerships. The annual IPE Student Project provides an opportunity for students from various health profession programs to collaborate with local partners in a real-world setting to resolve challenges our partners face.

Returning local organizations included the Oasis Center, Dismas House, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), Our Place Nashville, and Urban Housing Solutions. One new community partner also chose to participate in the program this year: Special Olympics of Tennessee.

On September 22^nd, the MVA a hosted all its community partners to review previous successes and opportunities for this year’s Student Project. Program Manager, Jessica Jones, shared “We want to make sure your (community member representative) voice is heard throughout the process and make sure you are aware of the support available from the faculty mentors.” Shared responsibility and communication among stakeholders is what makes this process work.

Each year students deliver relevant, sustainable projects that wow our partners, so much, they eagerly return. Long-time partner, Dr. Tiffany Davis, has resources created over five years ago that Urban Housing Solutions continues to use to date. Win-win scenarios are achieved for the community and students alike, and that what the MVA strives for…excellence!

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Faith & Health Collaborative Meets to Address Community Health Disparities

wongjj5 — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 20:00:00 +0000

Faith & Health Collaborative Meets to Address Community Health Disparities wongjj5 Fri, 08/05/2022 - 15:00 RSS:

Jack Wong

The Faith & Health Collaborative is an initiative that started as a partnership between the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and the Greater Nashville Health Disparities Coalition. The group formed to address health disparities in the community by leveraging the intersection between faith and health.

After a nearly two-year pause, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaborative is meeting again! In the short time since the collaborative reconvened, the group of faith leaders, health professionals, and community members has set priorities, formed planning committees, and identified projects to support the community.

The Faith & Health Collaborative is open to any community member who would like to join. If you are interested in being a part of the collaborative, please join the next meeting on Thursday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. The collaborative meets the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

If you would like to learn more and join a meeting, please reach out to Christopher Smith, MVA Community Engagement Coordinator, at ca.smith@meharry-vanderbilt.org.

About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since 1999, faculty, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members have worked with the MVA to address health disparities. The MVA is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships, building community capacity, and facilitating research and learning opportunities. We seek to promote community resources and assets that strengthen connections between our institutions, partners, and the populations they serve.

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Urban Housing Solutions: Dr. Tiffany Davis

wongjj5 — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:00:00 +0000

Urban Housing Solutions: Dr. Tiffany Davis wongjj5 Wed, 07/06/2022 - 15:00 RSS:

Jack Wong

Our Community Partner Spotlight features organizations that work with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) to eliminate health disparities in the communities they serve.

Last month, on a hot afternoon, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) attended a community event at Mercury North. Tiffany Davis, Ed.D., M.A, service coordinator at Urban Housing Solutions (UHS), spoke to the MVA about the event, the mission of UHS and services they offer.

As Nashville’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable housing, Dr. Davis says, “We are constantly buying, building, and remodeling properties to try to meet the needs of all people.” At present, UHS has over forty properties in Davidson County.

Beyond housing assistance, UHS has over thirty years of experience matching clients with transportation providers, social service agencies, and community health care access. By offering a “service continuum,” UHS is able to provide holistic support for their clients. Dr. Davis explains, “If a resident ends up in the hospital, we reach out and let them know we are here for them. We tell them they have access to wraparound programs, so when they come home, they will be okay.”

UHS offers broad support for low- and moderate-income individuals and families who face challenges posed by the rising price of area rent and homeownership. Residents may also be referred to UHS programs based on specific needs, such as managing HIV/AIDS, recovering from a substance use disorder, transitioning from homelessness, and more.

UHS is a long-time MVA partner, having mutual relationships with faculty like Christian Ketel, DNP, RN, FNAP. For several years, Dr. Davis has worked with groups of students to address real community-defined needs as part of the MVA Interprofessional Education (IPE) Student Project, which Dr. Ketel co-directs.

The community event at Mercury North is a testament to the strength of partnerships. For the event, the MVA helped to connect Dr. Davis with the Salt Wagon Clinic and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center. As a result, more than sixty residents had access to health services.

Looking to get involved? UHS is planning more community events this month. On July 15, 2022 from 12 to 2 p.m. (CT), there will be food, music, and health resources at Rex Courts. On Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 2 to 7:00 p.m. (CT), the Journeys of Hope (JOH) program is hosting a “Summer Fling.” JOH is a drug and alcohol recovery program offered by UHS.

Both events are for residents only. If your organization can provide services or information for residents, please contact Dr. Davis (tiffany@urbanhousingsolutions.org) to participate.

There are many reasons to connect with the MVA. A consultation with our team can provide you an introduction to faculty or staff, connect you to resources, open doors to collaboration, increase the visibility of your events, and much more. Complete a consultation request form to get started.

About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since 1999, faculty, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members have worked with the MVA to address health disparities. The MVA is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships, building community capacity, and facilitating research and learning opportunities. We seek to promote community resources and assets that strengthen connections between our institutions, partners, and the populations they serve.

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