Post Conference Reflections

Recently one of our Research Associates had the opportunity to present at the 2012 South Carolina GIS Conference in Charleston, SC.

The topic covered utilization and access to cancer screening & other sources of care for both rural Americans and areas with higher levels of Native American and Alaska Native individuals.

The opportunity to share health policy research integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was a valuable experience. Future collaborations across multiple fields of research (i.e. Geographers, Environmental Health Specialist & Health Policy Researchers) will continue to strengthen the quality of knowledge dissemination activities.

A video from one of our researchers

Dr. Jihong Liu has worked with us on several studies of rural children and obesity. In this video, Dr. Lui shares the results of one of her newer studies, on weight gain among Mexican-American children.
http://www.scivee.tv/node/38550

Post-Conference Reflections: APHA’s 139th Annual Meeting

From the perspective of one, it seems the field of public health is moving forward in the right direction. The rich diversity of both participants and topics present at APHA’s 139th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC provides a sense of where we are and what we need to move forward. Having a diversified research strategy with long-term perspectives in focus will allow us to address many of the struggles facing our nation and the global community.

The setting was one that has inspired millions throughout the history of this nation. Walking through DC’s museums, around the national monuments and the many inspirational memorials provided a glimpse into the past and the struggles/sacrifices that have helped shape this nation. Looking forward, we understand the path may not be easy, but with a thoughtful, culturally appropriate and evidence-driven research agenda, we can make great strides to improving the health of the nation.

The SCRHRC & USC were well represented, as both students and faculty presented research that covered a range of topics. Some examples include health information technology, home health care, HIV, immunizations, cancer screening and access to care with a focus on the health of women, children, rural adults, Native Americans and Alaska Natives. These are but a few examples of the diverse research being carried out within the SCRHRC & USC.

Celebratory eating

With all of the eating that we do in our group, it's amazing we get anything done. Celebrated at staff meeting:
* Our group's article in Health Affairs (authors listed in blue on cake). Link: [http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/30/10/1872.abstract]
* Amy and SCDHEC winning a Dentaquest grant for improvement of oral health services for kids
* Nathan winning an RWJ grant to examine the results of shifting preventive services for kids from the public health to private care sectors
* Jordan winning an AHRQ dissertation grant to fund his examination of the association between use of clinical decision support systems and reduced disparities in care among minority and rural populations.
It's been a great couple of weeks!
The bell is a present to Amy and Jan, to be rung at celebratory moments (all others present retain the right to note when ringing should be stopped). I'm not commenting on the buffalo.

Kudos to SCRHRC staffer Jordan Mitchell

Almost allowed this to get by unnoticed: Jordan Mitchell of our Center has received funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to support his dissertation research. His dissertation. entitled "Association between Clinical Decision Support Systems and Healthcare Disparities," should keep him busy for the next couple of months (or quarters)!

His award was also spotlighted on our school website:
http://www.sph.sc.edu/dsac/studentspotlight.htm

Highlighting one of our faculty

The Rural Health Monitor profiles Dr. Jan Probst, center Director, in the August issue:

http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/summer11/spotlight.php

A bit of attention for our mission of removing rural health disparities.

SCRHRC at AUPHA

Just back from the annual meeting of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, which this year was held in the "Holy City," Charleston, SC. It was grteat to be with a bunch of professionals focused on training the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Dr. Amy Martin, Deputy Director of the SCRHRC, along with Diane Kennedy of SC's Lowcounty Area Health Education Center, presented "Innovative Rural Health Curricula: Cultivating a New Crop of Professionals" (See students from her rural health class visiting the Angel Oak, at left) on Thursday, June 23. We have a photo of Dr. Martin presenting; Ms. Kennedy is seated. Their session triggered spirited discussion of rural education approaches at Friday's networking luncheon, at which Drs. Martin & Probst anchored the Rural table. We were joined by Dr. Keith Mueller from University of Iowa, along with colleagues from North Carolina.

Dr. Martin also presented her curriculum as a poster, as shown here. Lots of networking opportunities, as all meals and breaks were held in this large conference room.

We also offered AUPHA attendance as a one-credit option for our doctoral students. Future teachers benefit from learning about teaching as well as research. Some photos of our wonderful learners are shown below.