Opening The Doors For Diverse Populations To Health Disparities Research: Reducing Health Disparities Through Research Training, Practice, And Community Partnerships with the Faith Community

The pipeline for individuals from underrepresented populations into careers in health disparities research needs to be expanded (Rosenstock, et al., 2008). As noted by Riegelman, “it has become evident that undergraduates seek and appreciate public health approaches and public health courses” (2007, p. 237). This appreciation by undergraduates has not increased enrollments in graduate education related to health disparities enough to meet the growing need for health disparities researchers. Therefore, there is a need for the creation of “pipeline programs” (ASPH, 2008, p. 20). The Drexel University School of Public Health’s “Opening the Doors for Diverse Populations to Health Disparities Research” Program is focused on addressing the barriers to health disparities science education that socially, economically, and environmentally disadvantaged groups’ experience.  The Opening Doors Program recruits graduate (doctoral and master’s) students in public health programs for 8-months of faculty-mentored research, and undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and medical school students for 10-weeks of faculty-mentored research. All students take part in professional development seminars and ethical/responsible research seminars.Current and ongoing research exploring health disparities among the African-American population has specifically sought to engage faith-based organizations in the implementation of public health interventions. Students work with faith-based organizations to address the disparate impact of pre-diabetes on the African-American population. Using community-based participatory research methods, students work in collaboration with faith leaders to disseminate health promotion and education programs to promote healthy lifestyles, weight loss and reduce risk for chronic disease among African-Americans recruited from Philadelphia’s faith community in two public health interventions.