At the 91大神Cancer Center, in Wisconsin is not just a goal—it’s the driving force behind every initiative. Through innovative research, robust community outreach, and efforts to enhance clinical trial inclusivity, the Center is dedicated to reducing inequities that leave some populations more vulnerable to cancer. However, it recognizes that moving the needle on disparities takes more than just scientific expertise; it requires input and collaboration with the people it serves. The has turned this concept into reality with the , which aims to reduce disparities by creating a space for fair and trusting relationships to develop between community members and 91大神biomedical researchers. Through this important partnership, the Scholars Program is helping to ensure that 91大神Cancer Center research is both effective and equitable, and paves the way for a future where everyone has a fair chance at a cancer-free life.
“The Scholars Program aims to diminish the mistrust of the healthcare field and biomedical research that is prevalent among members of underserved communities in Milwaukee. It also helps clinicians and biomedical researchers become aware of the reasons for this mistrust and have a better understanding of the social inequities that give rise to cancer disparities,” said Carol Williams, PhD, Academic Co-leader of the Scholars Program, and Rev. Deborah Thomas, DD, Community Co-leader.
In the program, funded by the , research and community scholars address cancer disparities by working together through a curriculum focused on bias, race, and structural racism; social determinants of health; research and research protections; the cancer care continuum; impacts of biomedical research on health and quality of life; and many other important topics. Now approaching its third year, the program has resulted in new cancer-focused and events, , and grant applications that address pancreatic cancer disparities. Drs. Williams and Thomas added that one of its greatest outcomes has been the development of lasting partnerships among Scholars in every cohort.
“An important result of these partnerships is that they have promoted greater trust and a better understanding of peoples’ lived experiences, demonstrating how working together is the best way to diminish cancer disparities. Our community has been impacted in several ways. Several community organizations are interacting more with 91大神due to their participation in the program, and it has helped generate a greater understanding in the community of how the 91大神Cancer Center is dedicated to addressing cancer disparities,” they said.
The program provides many opportunities for Scholars to experience how biomedical research is conducted. Sessions are facilitated by basic researchers and clinicians, addressing how basic discoveries are made in the lab and translated into the clinic, and how clinical trials are conducted with rigorous protocols to protect the patient. Drs. Williams and Thomas encourage all Scholars to discuss their experiences and thoughts about biomedical research and to learn from each other.
“As a biomedical researcher trying to address how to prevent and treat cancer, it’s important to consider all the causes that may contribute to it. One factor that is sometimes overlooked by researchers is how social determinants impact health. By partnering with community members, we can learn more about peoples’ lived experiences, helping us understand how these experiences contribute to cancer development and outcomes, and providing greater insights into the inequities that cause cancer disparities,” said Dr. Williams.
“As an educator, pastor, and community leader, I want to assist our community members in partnering with clinicians and biomedical researchers to gain a better understanding of the causes of cancer disparities and the mistrust in the medical field that arises due to these disparities. These partnerships will help us diminish this mistrust and find better ways to diminish cancer disparities,” said Dr. Thomas.
Get to Know the Scholars
Kyler Crawford, PhD, graduate student in the Brian Volkman lab and 91大神 Scientist Training Program, was inspired to join the Scholars Program after attending a lecture on “Challenges of the 21st Century Cancer Center.” Crawford said his participation has set a new standard for what “translation” means for his future work as a physician-scientist. He is eager to involve community leaders from the design phase to deliverables for research projects; and as a clinician, be an accessible resource that patients trust by actively building connections with familiar, locally-embedded resources. “I am energized by the interdisciplinary approach, bringing in experts from community organizations, advocacy groups, and local leaders to interface with our Scholar cohort. Their contributions have significantly improved my training, and I’ve learned how to approach challenges in cancer disparities with integrity, honesty, and collaboration,” he said.
“The Scholars Program trains you to have a more realistic understanding of cancer care in Wisconsin, particularly Milwaukee. Learning from CCSN mentors has helped us change the perspective of cancer disparities in Milwaukee from an intractable problem to an opportunity to work collaboratively and systematically with the people most invested in positive change. Coming together under this model is important for acknowledging the realities of the scars of injustice and patient burden, but also for changing the narrative: collective action leads to tangible improvements in holistic community health overall,” said Crawford.
Renee Hill, MBA, Senior Manager, Research Administration, , saw the Scholars Program as an opportunity to share her cancer experience and learn more about the disparities in her own community (Milwaukee). Having studied social determinants of health, Hill was already aware of disparities in cancer care and treatment. However, she said the program allowed her to dig deeper into many of the systemic issues, which was “eye-opening.” She encourages those who want to join to be open to learning about topics that may be difficult to discuss, and from different perspectives. “It’s a great program for both community members and biomedical researchers, as it helps humanize the work they are doing. I also encourage trainees to participate,” she said.
“At 31, I was diagnosed with stage 4 appendix cancer. I think my perspective as a young adult cancer patient, and now as a survivor, is a voice that is not often heard. I felt there were several opportunities to share my story during the program; it was also great to have the researchers and clinicians show curiosity and genuine interest in my experience,” said Hill.
Community Scholar Patricia Wilson has lost many loved ones to cancer. She joined the Scholars Program as a way to improve her understanding of cancer and cancer care, and to help raise awareness that it’s not always a death sentence. Wilson most enjoyed learning about the different research and clinical programs at MCW, and was surprised by how much data and information is needed for doctors to find new cancer treatments. “I learned so much about clinical trials, how cancer cells travel and metastasize (that finally gave me closure to losing my husband to cancer at 49), and even had the opportunity to see a live breast cancer cell. I also learned that disparities exist because of the lack of knowledge of resources, family history, and barriers to healthcare. Most importantly, I learned about community programs I didn’t know existed and now my friends and family consider me an expert,” she said.
“I always viewed individuals who worked in research as ones who were only concerned with dollars and cents. But through the Scholars Program, I found that they are committed to saving lives at any cost. If you have a desire to learn more about cancer, work with others to improve awareness around cancer, have a passion to be a part of the process, or if you just want to make a difference in the lives of others, please sign up!” said Wilson.
Allison Scarborough, Research Assistant in the 91大神Department of Biomedical Engineering, joined the Scholars Program to develop a deeper understanding of health inequities in the community. Her research focuses on developing a method of cervical cancer detection, “which is very much a disease of disparities.” Scarborough loved the camaraderie among all the participants and said toward the end, it felt like they had become a small family. She will always remember when Walter Lanier, one of the guest speakers in the program, noted that the end-users of healthcare systems (patients and the community) are considered “almost last” when biomedical research is conducted. “This quote has stuck with me and has changed the way I approach my research as I find myself thinking at each step of the process. More and more throughout this program, I’ve adopted the idea that biomedical research projects work for the community, not the other way around,” she said.
“The program is absolutely worthwhile and will change the way you look at research, no matter which side of the process you’re on. It’s also a time commitment. You and your team members will get the most out of the program if you make it a priority to attend each of the large-group sessions, and your small-group projects will be most successful if you commit to meeting outside of the large-group meetings,” said Scarborough.
James Wu, MD, a first-year fellow in the 91大神Division of Hematology and Oncology and the Physician-Scientist Immersion Program, said that both in clinical practice and in research, his passion is in health equity. 91大神and the Milwaukee community have many nationally renowned health equity leaders, and Wu was grateful that the program allowed him to learn from so many amazing individuals. More than that, Wu said he treasured the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other research and community scholars who share the same vision to improve health in Milwaukee and across the state. His work in the program and with his collaborative group has led to a , hosted in collaboration with the Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
“My favorite parts of the program were working with and learning from all of the program leaders and scholars, going into the community and learning from community leaders, and actually being able to implement our ideas to combat cancer disparities by working directly with the community. I learned that one of the key tenants of conducting any disparities work is to center the voices of the individuals you’re trying to serve. The community voice must be a centerpiece in any community work or intervention,” said Wu.