Watch an interview with the initiative's co-leaders, Rev. Dr. Deb Thomas and Dr. Carol Williams,
​to learn about why they created the Research and Community Scholars Program.

The Cancer Disparities Curriculum for
​Research and Community Scholars

The Research and Community Scholars Curriculum
creates a space for fair and trusting relationships to develop between
community members in Metro-Milwaukee and cancer researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin

Diverse perspectives can create innovative solutions to complex problems, such as cancer disparities. However, we know that misunderstanding and mistrust are frequent barriers to effective community and academic partnerships. ​This is why CCSN created The Cancer Disparities Curriculum for Research and Community Scholars (known as Research and Community Scholars program). 

The program meets on a bi-weekly basis on Wednesdays from September to May- currently in a virtual setting.  In this program, research and community scholars participate together in a 9-month curriculum focused on cancer disparities, factors influencing disparities, communicating with diverse audiences, understanding different perspectives, and building equitable partnerships. 

Who are our scholars? 

People who are curious problem solvers with an interest in diminishing cancer disparities. 

Community Scholars: 

• Metro-Milwaukee community-based organizations
• Actively involved with the community network to share their learnings

Research Scholars:

• Investigators including graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, MD/PhD students, clinical fellows, or assistant and associate professors from the Medical College of Wisconsin
• Demonstrate interest in incorporating community perspectives into their research​​​​ ​​​

The curriculum includes:
Lectures, small and large group discussions, personal exploration and reflection, and opportunities to apply learning through small team assignments and projects.

Facilitated by research and community experts, the content of the curriculum will build foundational knowledge on:

• Bias, race, and structural racism
• Social determinants of health
• Cancer disparities
• Research and research protections
• The cancer care continuum
• Impacts of biomedical research on health and quality of life
• Approaches to build successful biomedical and community research partnerships
• Communication of cancer science with different audiences

​Research and Community Scholars Leadership

Rev. Dr. Deborah Thomas
Community Leader

​Founder and Pastor,
House of Grace Kingdom Ministry
​Retired Faculty,
​ Milwaukee Area Technical College

Dr. Carol Williams
Academic Leader 
​
​​Joan K. Van Deuren Professor
​in Breast Cancer Research
​Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology
​Medical College of Wisconsin

Alexis Krause, MPH
​Program Coordinator
​
Medical College of Wisconsin

For more information on The Research and Community Scholars program, please contact Alexis Krause, akrause@mcw.edu