The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Behavioral Science Department addresses health disparities by integrating research, education, and community engagement. The department offers the Health Disparities Research Training (HDRT) Fellowship, which provides medical students with mentorship and opportunities to conduct research on health inequities. This fellowship focuses on various health disparities, including cancer, cardiovascular health, infectious diseases, and mental health. Students work on projects that address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and access to healthcare.
For example, one project examines the effectiveness of food security interventions on child health outcomes, while another evaluates educational tools to improve cervical cancer screening adherence among Hispanic women. By training future healthcare professionals to understand and address health disparities, the department aims to create a more equitable healthcare system. The department also collaborates with local organizations to implement community-based interventions and disseminate research findings to inform policy changes. Through these efforts, the Behavioral Science Department is making significant strides in reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for underserved populations.
See: “UK College of Medicine students now learning about health disparities” (March 4, 2025)