Sirry Alang, associate dean of equity and justice and associate professor of health and human development, School of Education, explains that the problem is due, in part, to medical mistrust. This happens when individuals are wary of the medical system because of negative experiences at other institutions. It is also caused by a lack of similar voices in the creation of programs, policies and interventions.

When Teresa Hagan Thomas’ mother was diagnosed with cancer, Thomas saw firsthand the importance of her own research. Even though her mom was a self-sufficient woman, had already been a cancer caregiver twice, and had a daughter who is an expert in health care self-advocacy, she struggled to manage her own cancer journey.

On average, it takes between 17 and 20 years for evidence-based practice to be translated into everyday practice. To Renee Cloutier, that’s way too long. Cloutier is an assistant professor in the School of Medicine whose work focuses on substance use
and overdose prevention.