Since the integration of the electronic health record (EHR) into clinical care, our researchers have examined its impact on patient care and provider behaviors. This pivotal research serves as a cornerstone in understanding and improving health care delivery. Researchers are currently leading a study focused on the utilization of a digital navigation tool. Their research aims to assess whether this innovative tool can effectively increase colorectal cancer screening rates among patients overdue for screening at community health centers.

Our researchers have also spearheaded the implementation and study of decision-support tools within the EHR. Our collaborative efforts with researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have delved into the impact of an EHR "nudge" (a feature within the EHR system that guides health care providers to make effective decisions) on opioid prescribing and EHR keystrokes in ambulatory care. This research not only contributes to optimizing clinical workflows but also addresses critical issues surrounding opioid prescribing practices.

Health information technology researchers include:

• Neil Calman, MD
• Sarah J. Miller, PsyD
• Sarah C. Nosal, MD

Family medicine researchers recognize the profound impact that mental health has on overall well-being and are committed to advancing understanding and practices in this intersection. One crucial focus of our research in this realm is suicidality and suicide prevention. Through robust support and initiatives, we are contributing significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding mental health challenges. Researchers have spearheaded a qualitative study examining provider feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of virtual patient simulations for suicide prevention training. This innovative approach not only enhances training methodologies but also underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices in behavioral health.

Behavioral health care researchers include:

• Abigail J. Herron, DO
• Jay Pires, PhD

Patient-centered care stands at the core of the Department’s research initiatives, reflecting a commitment to optimizing care delivery for meaningful patient-centered health outcomes. A notable example of our research in patient-centered care is our work in East Harlem. Our researchers have implemented weight loss interventions through peer-led workshops to prevent diabetes, specifically targeting low-income residents.

We are also actively contributing to patient-centered care through our involvement in the study titled, “Implementing Genomics in Practice/Genetic Testing to Understand and Address Renal Disease Disparities in the United States.” This trial focuses on genetic testing for APOL1 and pharmacogenomic predictors of antihypertensive efficacy in patients with hypertension. By exploring the genetic factors influencing treatment outcomes, this research aims to personalize and optimize care strategies, aligning with our overarching goal of individualized patient care.

Patient-centered care researchers include:

• Guedy Arniella, LCSW
• Neil Calman, MD

The Department is actively engaged in research aimed at addressing and mitigating racial and ethnic health disparities, recognizing the urgent need for equity within the health care system. One prominent avenue of research for us focuses on integrative medicine to address various chronic illnesses contributing to health disparities. Our researchers have undertaken studies examining the dual effects of yoga and acupuncture on chronic pain. Currently, our team’s research is centered on the feasibility of implementing acupuncture in a community-based primary care setting to treat older adults experiencing chronic low back pain.

In a groundbreaking study, we are also investigating the feasibility of using music therapy to treat substance use disorder through virtual sessions, extending the reach of interventions to patients in both urban and rural settings.

Racial and ethnic health disparities researchers include:

• Hyowoun Jyung, MD, MSEd
• Julie Schoonover, MD
• Raymond Y. Teets, MD

With a focus on reproductive health and maternal well-being, the Alfred and Gail Engelberg Department of Family Medicine and Community Health is actively engaged in studies that aim to enhance patient experiences and birth outcomes.

Our researchers are leading efforts in the realm of reproductive health, investigating patient preferences when offered greater autonomy within certain procedures during routine reproductive health visits.

Addressing the crucial domain of birth outcomes, the dedicated team is implementing novel approaches to interconception care, care that is provided to mothers between pregnancies. By focusing on the time between pregnancies, this research aims to identify and implement strategies that optimize maternal health and improve birth outcomes. Our researchers are also actively focusing on how a trauma-informed approach to cervical cancer screenings can be used to safely and effectively prevent cancer.

Women’s health researchers include:

• Tonie Mckenzie, MD
• Susan E. Rubin, MD
• Aimee Smith, DO