Issues of mistrust and misunderstandings exist between community members and health care researchers.
That is the primary reason two local leaders – Rev. Dr. Deborah Thomas and Dr. Carol Williams – are collaborating to launch a unique curriculum to address these issues.
Known as the Cancer Disparities Curriculum for Research and Community Scholars, their curriculum will intentionally bring Milwaukee community members and early career biomedical researchers together to engage in shared learning.
Community scholars and research scholars will not only examine the origins, causes, and factors that promote cancer disparities but also design potential solutions.
Cancer disparities are differences in outcomes (e.g. incidence, diagnosis, and mortality) among groups of people.
Significant disparities occur based on where people live, their race or ethnicity, and their gender, among other factors.
Cancer biomedical research does not often consider these disparities and their biomedical impact (e.g. trauma, stress, nutrition, sleep) which limits advancements in care for a broader diversity of people.
This curriculum aims to reduce cancer disparities and remove barriers to health equity by promoting understanding of why disparities exist; addressing issues of mistrust, bias and racism head-on; and fostering relationships within communities to develop projects that address their unique needs.
“Mistrust of the healthcare field and biomedical research is prevalent among members of communities,” said Rev. Deborah Thomas, retired MATC faculty member and founder and pastor of House of Grace Kingdom Ministry.
“Researchers may be unaware of the reasons for this mistrust and have a poor understanding of the social determinants that give rise to cancer disparities. We want to eradicate these misunderstandings and help community members and researchers work together.”
The curriculum will provide scholars with opportunities to learn, to work effectively with each other, and to build trust and equitable partnerships while also developing shared understanding of factors that promote cancer disparities. Scholars will participate in lessons and lectures as well as create a project to present to other community members and researchers.
“In the next few years, we hope to grow interest and enthusiasm for this program so we can enroll more scholars,” said Dr. Williams, eminent scholar with the MCW Cancer Center Biology Program.
The first cohort will assemble in Fall 2021 and include eight to twelve scholars – with an equal number from the community and biomedical research departments at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Application materials can be obtained from [email protected].
The curriculum is fully funded by Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.