Past Community Medicine Student Research Projects 

A collaborative project was conducted to investigate the strengths and resources of the Agape Clinic in Central Dallas and the Collin County Adult Clinic (CCAC) both serving a low-income Hispanic patient population. Agape uses a Promotora (lay health promoter) program and CCAC relies on a system of educating patients using the services of a volunteer certified diabetes educator. An assessment was conducted describing the structure, strengths, and effectiveness of these alternative approaches to managing the needs of patients with diabetes.

These data will be used to guide the development of a collaborative approach applying the strengths of the Promotora model with the diabetes educator model. The desired outcome was the development of a program for establishing linkages between the two clinics, in a way that will enhance understanding of the most efficient and effective means for improving patient outcomes.

Community Team
The Dallas Concilio: Silvia Gallegos, Monica Lugo
GRACE: Cheryl Mart, R.N., B.S.N., Pat Frosch
Mission East Dallas: Danica Simmons, R.N.

Fellow: Juan Olivares
Research Mentor: Nora Gimpel, M.D.
(2005)

The Dallas Concilio addresses the goal of reducing the incidence and complications of diabetes in Hispanics by providing diabetes awareness presentations, presenting a chronic disease management program titled "Viviendo con la Diabetes" (Living with Diabetes), and offering support groups. A comprehensive study was developed for assessing the effectiveness of the Dallas Concilio's program. Three components were examined: 1) structure and content of the "Vivendo con la Diabetes" program, 2) two separate case studies in clinic(s) where the program has been offered, and 3) a summary qualitative assessment of the program's effectiveness based on the results of the case study(s) performed in one of the Dallas Metroplex free clinics.

Community Team
Parkland Health & Hospital System Community Oriented Primary Clinics (COPC)
Angelique Ramirez, M.D. and Jaquelne Stephens, Ph.D.

Fellow: Cindy Chavez
Research Mentor: Mark DeHaven, Ph.D.
(2005)

The Parkland COPC seeks to improve primary and preventive care delivery among pediatric patients seeking care in their eight community-based clinics. A study was developed to gather data from pediatric caregivers using the "Promoting Healthy Development Survey," developed by the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality. This project provided information for redesigning pediatric preventive care delivery in the Parkland COPC system, from the health promotion perspective.

Community Team
Agape Clinic, Dallas: Charles Kemp

Fellow: Miguel Terrazas
Research Mentor: Mark DeHaven, Ph.D.
(2004)

At the Agape Clinic in Dallas, a medical student conducted interviews to assess the barriers that both patients and providers face in receiving care, specifically diabetes care, in a free clinic with a unique indigent Latino population. The results of the study were instrumental in the implementation of a Promotores de Salud Program in increasing health education for the patients.

Community Team
Church Health Center, Memphis: Teresa Cutts, Ph.D.

Fellow: Kimbell Kornu
Research Mentor: Mark DeHaven, Ph.D.
(2004)

Working with a multi-dimensional, non-profit, faith-based clinic in Memphis, TN, Church Health Center, a medical student conducted a qualitative study to identify Church Health Center's community health assets, determine the perceived level of integration among the assets, and develop the best means for combining them in an effort to build stronger partnerships for a healthier community. Several conclusions and recommendations were developed based on the study results that will aid the leaders in clearly formulating a common vision across ministries and the community.

Community Team
Parkland Health & Hospital System Community Oriented Primary Clinics (COPC): Linda Galindo, Ph.D.

Fellow: Stephanie Van Rooy
Research Mentors: Mark DeHaven, Ph.D.; Nora Gimpel, M.D.
(2004)

Working with the DeHaro Salvidar Community Oriented Primary Care Health Center, a medical student evaluated the effectiveness of the diabetes educational program, specifically the stress-management class. The study identified the major stressors faced by the Latino diabetic population and the ways in which the program could be improved to better target the Latino population it serves.

Community Team
UT Southwestern Medical Center

Fellow: Erica Ruger
Research Mentor: Ronald Victor, M.D.
(2003)

Working with the UTSW Community Prevention and Intervention Unit: Division of Hypertension, a medical student studied the health and behavioral effects of a barbershop-based intervention on hypertensive African-American men. The intervention significantly impacted awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in this high-risk population. The student presented her project orally at the 42nd Annual UTSW Medical Student Research Forum.

Community Team
The Islamic Association of North Texas Clinic

Fellow: Osamah Saeedi
Research Mentor: Amer Shakil, M.D.
(2003)

At the Islamic Association of North Texas Clinic, a medical student developed and translated surveys to assess baseline knowledge of diabetes and hypertension in a predominantly South Asian community. The results helped clarify what information should be emphasized in patient education programs for diabetes and hypertension.

Community Team
Parkland Health & Hospital System

Fellow: Edward Schiller
Research Mentor: David Faris, M.D.
(2003)

Through the Parkland Health and Hospital System, the student conducted telephone surveys to measure the short-term and long-term effectiveness of Parkland's QuitSmart smoking cessation program. Other factors affecting the patients' success rates were also analyzed to determine their relative importance to the program.

Community Team
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Secretary of Health, Oportunidades Program, Chihuahua, Mexico

Fellow: Tariq Ibrahim
Research Mentors: Mark DeHaven, Ph.D.,  James Walton, D.O.
(2003)

At community-based health care clinics in NC, TX, TN, and Mexico, the student administered questionnaires to examine the use of preventive medicine services and the effect of biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual factors on care delivery. This descriptive study helped evaluate the association between preventive care delivery and care providers' beliefs.