Health Disparities Training

Understanding and addressing issues of cancer disparities

The catchment area of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center includes the state of Indiana with rural and urban populations, providing a unique environment for understanding and addressing issues of cancer disparities.

In addition to integrating population-based concepts throughout the curriculum, the cancer center provides specialized training to each pre- and postdoctoral trainee:

• Students learn to use social and behavioral science to inform research targeting underserved rural and urban populations.
• Engagement of IU faculty mentors with expertise in demographic, medical, and social predictors of physical and/or psychological health outcomes.
• Ensuring the inclusion of underserved rural and urban populations in grant proposals written by trainees.
• Individualized community outreach experience targeting underserved rural and urban populations. Trainees select an experience consistent with their research area.
• Arranging annual meetings with a nationally recognized community-engaged research scholar.