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A Gathering of Visionaries On October 14, the bustling halls of the Robert H. Lurie Research Center became the epicenter of cutting-edge discussions as Feinberg students, trainees, faculty, and partner institution members gathered for the Office of Health Equity’s second annual Lyceum Series and Research Symposium. This unique convergence aimed at addressing health disparities through innovative research and collaboration. Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, opened the event with an inspiring message. “Our world, our society, our local communities are more interconnected now than ever before. The absence of health in any one of us affects the health of all of us,” he emphasized, positioning Feinberg as a leader in health equity science. Keynote with Impact The symposium’s highlight was a keynote by Dr. Leslie R. Walker, who captivated attendees with her insights on pediatric health. She urged the reimagining of existing systems to reduce health inequities. According to Northwestern University, Walker’s vision heralds a new era of opportunities to reconstruct pediatric care. Unveiling Research Insights Participants then immersed themselves in the gallery of more than 70 research poster presentations, where new findings were eagerly exchanged. Among the standout contributions was research by Ren Mondesir on opioid-related disparities. Mondesir’s work shed light on systemic racism affecting Black youth, earning her the prestigious John E. Franklin Innovation Award. Bridging Gaps in Vaccination Sreeya Kairamkonda explored HPV vaccination rates, revealing that framing it as “cancer prevention” proved more effective in the Hispanic community. Such insights push for tailored communication strategies to enhance public health initiatives. Innovative Interventions for Youth Andrés Alvarado Avila’s research on single-session interventions offers potential advancements for Latino adolescents facing mental health challenges. His call for culturally adapted approaches paves the way for more inclusive healthcare solutions. Honoring Excellence in Equity The symposium culminated in awarding distinguished individuals whose leadership has significantly advanced equitable healthcare. These accolades recognize the ongoing efforts essential in the quest for nationwide health equity improvement. Through heartfelt presentations and inspiring conversations, the symposium underscored the pivotal role of collaboration in crafting innovative, equitable healthcare solutions that transcend boundaries and change lives.
