Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship

The Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship aims to broaden community-based research opportunities for students at each of PCOM's locations.

This fellowship was created by the Office of Diversity and Community Relations in concert with the Division of Research and the PCOM Library. Funding from the PCOM Alumni Association supported the launch of this program.

About the Fellowship

Funding is awarded annually for up to three full-time faculty members who are interested in engaging community-based organizations and PCOM students in collaborative research studies. Preference is given to proposals that include inter-professional initiatives and engages multiple students.

Current Community-Based Research Studies

Two of our new community-based research studies involve interdisciplinary experiences for PCOM students.

Faculty members representing the PCOM School of Pharmacy and the PCOM School of Professional and Applied Psychology proposed “Exploring Barriers to Receiving Medical and Mental Health Services in Rural Communities” which will engage eight students from each discipline in this study in the South Georgia community.
Another study led by faculty from the School of Pharmacy and Department of Bio-Medical Sciences will guide eight pharmacy, biomedical sciences and osteopathic medicine students in research that will examine “The Increase in COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Within the Minority Population Through Direct Grassroots Engagement With Local Churches in Georgia.“
A third study will engage ten graduate and medical students in examining vaccine hesitancy in Suwanee, Georgia: “PCOM Partners: Empowering Community Members to Reduce COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.“

2022 Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship Awards

”Educating Older Adults with Low-Income About Mediterranean Diet”

Farzaneh Daghigh, PhD, PCOM

In partnership with Beacon Residential communities, this study aims to improve community resident’s nutrition knowledge to mitigate mortality risk and lower incidences of chronic diseases through the assessment of eating behaviors and food literacy. Community residents will be introduced to the MedDiet principles to improve their overall health through the delivery of culturally specific nutrition education.

“Incidence of Gout in a Population of Underrepresented Type 2 Diabetic Patients”

Farzaneh Daghigh, PhD, PCOM; Arturo Bravo Nuevo, PhD, PCOM

The objective of this multi-site study is to assess the prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout in type 2 diabetes among low-income racial minorities in partnership with Beacon Residential communities. Findings from the study will be used to create a more targeted approach to disease prevention and personalized dietary recommendations for the community.

“Impact of Implementing Medication Therapy Management Service for Underserved Populations: Children with Disabilities”

Yujin Kim, PharmD, PhD, PCOM Georgia; Xinyu (Eric) Wang, PhD, PCOM Georgia

This study explores how medication therapy management improves health outcomes among pediatric patients with disabilities. In partnership with Wheat Mission in Atlanta, the study engages pharmacy and medical students in hands-on research experiences that exposes them to special need populations and the implications of medication therapy management in improving health outcomes.

“Inter-Professional Education and Skills Acquisition in Post-Acute/Long-Term Care (PALTC): Analysis of Osteopathic Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes”

Nicol Joseph, DO, CMD, PCOM

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of an educational intervention that immerses osteopathic medical students within a post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) setting with exposure to and interactions with an interdisciplinary team. The study will analyze the medical student’s knowledge and attitudes regarding PALTC during rotations with vulnerable populations at Monumental Post Acute Care at Woodsite Park using pre and post surveys and 360 reviews. Data will potentially improve health care delivery for diverse patient populations and address issues related to social determinants of health.

“Investigating Barriers to Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine for Adolescents in Rural Communities”

Shari Allen, PharmD, BCPP, PCOM Georgia

The study involves a partnership with rural pediatric offices to survey an adolescent population about their barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 40% of the adolescent population are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Current research studies limit vaccine hesitancy to adult populations. This study aims to gather data that will contribute to the absence of research on adolescents and vaccine hesitancy. The research will include students from PCOM, PCOM Georgia and South Georgia who will use the data gathered to create age-appropriate resources to educate adolescents with accurate COVID-19 information.

“Keep the Spark”

Lori Redmond, PhD, PCOM Georgia

In partnership with Georgia FirstGen, this multi-year study examines the academic and systemic barriers that impede underrepresented students’ interest and/or access to careers in medicine. Data will be gathered to develop an intervention strategy to expose and increase minority students' preparation for post-secondary education in health sciences.