Research Interests:
For the past eight years I have been immersed in cancer control and prevention research, with a focus on cancer disparities. My previous and current research endeavors have entailed examining the behavioral aspects of individuals immersed in prostate cancer screening and/or treatment. This approach entailed examining the influence of social factors, such as interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy on individual behavior. More recently, I have expanded my research agenda to examine the role and impact of cancer education and effective communication channels for poor and underserved populations. Specifically, examining the development of communication tools and methods used to convey complex information to at-risk populations and poor and underserved populations with low health literacy levels.
Clinical Interests:
Currently, my clinical interests encompass patient education and the use of the decision aids in the informed decision making process for prostate cancer screening and/or treatment. Given the lack of empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the current screening and treatment modalities for prostate cancer, the widely endorsed and encouraged recommendation is for patient participation in the informed decision making process. My interests are in the psychosocial needs of patients as they engage in this process and determining what level and type of prostate knowledge is sufficient to facilitate patient progression through this process.