Research Transforming Communities: Diverse Perspectives
Saturday, September 28, 2024 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Presenting our highly anticipated Healthcare Symposium, Research Transforming Communities (RTC), with the theme “Diverse Perspectives.” This meticulously crafted event spotlights the profound impact of research on healthcare and communities. At RTC, our aim is to provide professionals like yourself with a platform to explore the latest research, fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints converge to ignite innovation and drive positive change.
Beyond being an educational forum, RTC serves as a nexus for building meaningful connections within the healthcare sector. It’s where professionals gather not only to expand their knowledge but also to cultivate relationships that pave the path for future collaborations and advancements.
Organized by Arizona Western College and Onvida Health, the symposium will demonstrate the effective collaboration of medical and research professionals in sharing their discoveries, outcomes, and aspirations to enhance patient care and community well-being in the years to come.
Together, we are shaping the future of research and health care. We firmly believe that our time together will impact the way we collaborate to improve care for those who depend on us the most. This event also has the potential to create an atmosphere of innovation and knowledge sharing that is crucial in advancing research initiatives.
Registration is free thanks to the generous donations of the Flinn Foundation and the Foundation of Onvida Health.
Symposium Details
Saturday, September 28, 2024
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Arizona Western College
2020 S. Avenue 8E
Yuma, AZ 85365
Parking Information
Cost: Free
Register Now
Registration is required
Registration Deadline:
September 13, 2024
Exhibitor Opportunities
Explore the opportunities when participating as an exhibitor in our upcoming Healthcare Symposium, Research Transforming Communities (RTC), themed “Diverse Perspectives.” This event has been meticulously crafted to spotlight the transformative power of research within the healthcare industry and its profound impact on our communities.
Exhibitor Benefits:
- Dedicated Table: Each exhibitor will receive a designated table to professionally showcase their offerings throughout the event. The event agenda will incorporate scheduled breaks, providing ample opportunities for participants to visit your display and learn about your services or products.
- Prominent Exposure: Participants will be actively encouraged to engage with exhibitor displays.
- Inclusive Participation: As an exhibitor, you are welcome to attend any of the presentations and actively participate in the event, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the healthcare community.
Secure Your Spot:
- Cost for Participation: $750
- Registration Form: https://www.onvidahealth.org/event/research-transforming-communities-symposium-2024/
- Extended Deadline for Registration: September 6, 2024
We would love to have you join us at RTC! If you are interested in participating or have questions regarding participating please contact FlinnOpportunities@yumaregional.org.
Poster Submission
Onvida Health is proud to showcase the vital research undertaken through Flinn Foundation grants and our internal research programs. We are seeking poster submissions that explore original research, clinical trials, quality improvement, population health, process improvement, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the healthcare sector.
The top three posters will receive an award.
1st prize – $300
2nd prize – $200
3rd prize – $100
Poster Submission Requirements:
- Posters must be submitted in the designated poster template format.
- While no formal presentation is required, researchers must be available during the symposium to answer questions.
- Authors of the top three posters will be required to deliver a short presentation.
- To participate as a presenter or content contributor in our Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity, we kindly request completion of a disclosure form. This ensures compliance and upholds the integrity of our educational content.
Important Dates:
- August 26 – Extended Poster Submission Deadline: Researchers must submit their projects for consideration using the official submission form and poster template.
- September 6 -The winners of the top three posters will be notified via email and will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation for the symposium on September 28.
- September 28 – Symposium: Winners will be acknowledged the day of the event and researchers must be available the day of the event to answer questions.
By submitting your Poster Walk application, you are also registering for the Symposium.
Schedule
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Check-in & Breakfast
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome
Building Research in a Community Setting: Insights and Opportunities
Trudie Milner, Ph.D., Onvida Health
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Development and Deployment of Mobile MRI Laboratory to Facilitate Brain Aging Research Across Rural Arizona
Matthew J. Huentelman, Ph.D., TGen
9:45 – 10 a.m.
Break & Poster Walk
10 – 10:30 a.m.
Designing a Model of Healthcare to Address Health Disparities – Putting Research into Practice
Freya Spielberg, M.D. MPH, University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Turning Adversity into Advantage
Sarah Medina Rodriguez, M.D., CCRP, Onvida Health
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Flinn Funded Research Projects
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Flinn Foundation Partnership
Mary O’Riley, Ph.D., Flinn Foundation
Flinn Foundation Intern Testimony
Rachel Lord, Northern Arizona University
11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
Lunch & Poster Walk
12:40 – 1:10 p.m.
Presentation of Scholarly Innovative Research
1:00 – 1:55 p.m.
Yuma’s Seasonal Patients: Qualitatively Exploring Healthcare Preferences, Access, and Opportunities Among Canadians Wintering in the Area
Valorie Crooks, Ph.D., Simon Fraser University
1:55 – 2:20 p.m.
Future of Innovation
Reetika Dhawan, Arizona Western College
Philipp Graner, Ph.D., Siemens Healthineers
2:20 – 2:40 p.m.
Break & Poster Walk
2:40 – 4:10 p.m.
Breakout Sessions – 3 Tracks
2:40 – 3:20 p.m. – Wave 1
3:20 – 4:10 p.m. – Wave 2
- Track 1
AI/Legeraging Data for Research / Bioscience Research | Facilitator: Reetika Dhawan- Philipp Graner, Ph.D., Siemens Healthineers
- Jaime Gramz, Siemens Healthineers
- Anh Nguyen, Ph.D., MSPH, Onvida Health
- Track 2
How to Publish / Apply for Grants | Facilitator: Eyuel Terefe, M.D., Onvida Health- Freya Spielberg, M.D. MPH, University of Arizona Medical School, Phoenix
- Matthew J Huentelman, Ph.D., TGen
- Kari Tatar, Onvida Health
- Track 3
Career in Research Track | Facilitator: Sarah Medina Rodriguez, M.D., CCRP- Fnu Rahool, Kinevant Sciences
- Nibu Joe Mathew, MBBS, ACRP-CP, CCA, Onvida Health
4:10 – 4:20 p.m.
Return to Schoening Conference Center
4:20 – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Speakers
Abhinav Chandra, M.D., is the Executive Medical Director of Specialty Care at Onvida Health. He also holds positions as the medical director of the Onvida Health Cancer Center and medical director of institutional research at the same institution. Dr. Chandra completed his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2021. He serves as the chair of the Treatment Steering Committee for the Arizona Cancer Coalition and the Arizona Department of Health Services. With a strong focus on healthcare research, he has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, with over 1,500 citations, 3 book chapters, and presented over 60 posters at national and international conferences. Dr. Chandra has led Industry-sponsored and population health-based clinical trials as a principal investigator. His research interests encompass AI/ML applications in healthcare, healthcare disparity, and health services research.
Valorie Crooks is a professor and health services researcher at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada), where she holds the position of Associate Vice-President, Research. A health geographer by training, for over a decade Valorie has been deeply examining the equity and ethical issues associated with transnational health care mobilities. This research has brought her to Yuma, where she has been undertaking a multi-year qualitative case study exploring health care use and access by Canadian international retirement migrants who seasonally live in the area. This work has been partnered with Onvida Health and has been funded by numerous grants awarded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Reetika Dhawan is a visionary leader in education, known for her dynamic leadership and transformative impact. With master’s degrees in physics and applied mathematics, she is pursuing a doctorate in Instructional Design. As the CEO of Entrepreneurial College and VP of Workforce & Healthcare Programs at Arizona Western College, Reetika bridges education and industry, ensuring students gain essential skills for today’s workforce. Her strategic vision has led to groundbreaking programs tailored to meet the needs of students and employers. Recognized as a thought leader, she has influenced policy and driven positive change, earning awards like the Vice President Innovation Award, Teacher of the Year, Heart of Yuma, and the Athena International Award. Passionate about education’s power to uplift lives, Reetika inspires the next generation of leaders with innovative programs such as AI-based courses and fast-track micro-credentials. Her dedication to educational innovation and empowerment makes her a beacon of inspiration worldwide.
Matt Huentelman, Ph.D., is a Professor and the Division Director of the Neurogenomics Division at the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (or “TGen”) in Phoenix, Arizona. His research interests center on the investigation of the molecular basis of human nervous system health and disease. The ultimate goal of his research is to personalize our medical approach to aging and enable an individualized optimization of brain health in order to facilitate successful cognitive aging. This modern approach to brain aging – termed “Precision Aging” – will enable human cognitive healthspan to better match our lifespan and dramatically reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases on the population. Dr. Huentelman joined TGen in July of 2004 after completing his doctoral work at the University of Florida’s Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics at the McKnight Brain Institute. His undergraduate degree is from Ohio University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Clippinger Laboratories.
Nibu J. Mathew is a results-focused clinical research professional with extensive experience in clinical medicine and research, complemented by a strong foundation in cutting-edge technology. He is currently the Clinical Research Operations Manager at Onvida Health, where he leverages his expertise to optimize research processes and ensure compliance with industry standards. With a background that includes roles such as Clinical Research Coordinator and Clinical Research Associate, he is skilled in managing complex projects, integrating clinical systems, and overseeing study operations. Nibu holds an MBBS/MD from Government Medical College, India, and have practiced medicine in India and United Kingdom in his previous roles and is an ACRP Certified Professional. He is also recognized for his contributions to process improvement initiatives and his commitment to advancing clinical research excellence.
Sarah Medina Rodriguez, MD, CCRP has served as the Director of Institutional Research at Onvida Health since 2016. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree at St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Philippines and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a certified clinical research professional since 2010 with a strong medical background and over 18 years of clinical research exemplifying career progression and successful action plans of management in industry and federally funded (drug and device) trials in Alzheimer’s, COVID-19, cardiology, hepatology, oncology, and population health. She and her research team put Yuma on the map in addressing inclusion of diverse population in clinical trials, participated in four device trials that led to FDA approval and has been published in peer reviewed journals.
Anh Nguyen, PhD, MSPH is currently serving as the Vice President of Data Platform and Analytics at Onvida Health. In her role, she is leading enterprise efforts to advance data science and business intelligence to support healthcare operations, population health and value-based initiatives. She has extensive experience across both the healthcare provider and payer settings, where she has held leadership roles at value-based services, Medicaid managed care, and accountable care organizations as well as a regional health information exchange. Her research interests primarily include studying the adoption and effectiveness of advanced payment and delivery models. She has published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and policy briefs related to advanced delivery models, workforce development, quality improvement, as well as access to care and utilization. Dr. Nguyen earned her doctorate degree in Health Services Research, Administration, and Policy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Shawna Pischinger is the Director of Value-Based Operations, at Onvida Health, where she has worked for the past 16 years. As a Yuma native, she was born at Onvida Health (Onvida Health) and is exceptionally passionate about improving population health in our community, especially as it relates to increasing health literacy and educating our population about the importance of preventative care, screenings, and managing chronic conditions. With the healthcare industry’s push to move away from traditional service/payment methodologies, Shawna is committed to providing pathways for Onvida Health, in partnership with it’s providers and clinical leaders, into advanced payment methodologies that align with Value-Based Care. With funding from Flinn Foundation and Onvida Health Foundation, she has recently started her work in community-based research and is looking forward to continuing to explore the opportunities to overlap population health, value-based care and research for the Yuma community.
Freya Spielberg MD MPH is the Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona Medical School, Phoenix. Dr. Spielberg received her MD from the Weill Cornell Medical College, and her residency in Family Medicine from the University of Washington/Swedish Downtown Family Medicine. She completed a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Fellowship and her Master’s in Public Health at the University of Washington. Since her training she has conducted research to decrease health disparities in the US, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Botswana and the Congo. Before joining the University of Arizona, she held leadership positions as faculty at the University of Washington, George Washington University, and University of Texas in Austin. The majority of her focus over the past 20 years has been to develop and evaluate new community-based models of care to improve health outcomes, improve patient experience, improve provider experience, lower health care costs, and diminish health disparities. After completing many research studies showing the impact of new care models, Dr. Spielberg realized that to scale up these effective strategies it would be necessary to create a Social Enterprise, and thus in 2017 she founded Urgent Wellness to redesign healthcare to meet the diverse needs of individuals living in low income housing. Placing Wellness Clinics in low-income housing projects makes care more convenient than ER visits. Using Community Health Workers to proactively assess all resident needs and provide resident-driven wellness plans improves health literacy and linkage to care. Providing telemedicine for medical, behavioral and social health needs has further improved the accessibility and acceptability of care. She currently has collaborative projects in Washington DC (Urgentwellness.com) and Austin (Bringing Health Home), and looks forward to expanding this model of care nationally.
With 13 years of dedicated experience in grant writing, Kari Tatar has a proven track record of securing vital funding for a variety of impactful organizations, including The Salvation Army, the Boys & Girls Club, United Way of Yuma County, Yuma County, and Arizona’s Children Association. Kari currently brings her expertise to Onvida Health, where she continues to champion the mission of supporting community health and well-being. A Yuma resident since 1999, Kari has fully engaged with the local community. Originally from Nebraska, she quickly became involved in efforts to assist those in need upon moving to Yuma. As a committed Rotarian, active community member, and member of the Grants Professional Association, Kari is enthusiastic about leveraging her extensive experience in grant research and writing to benefit Onvida Health. Her deep passion for non-profit work and comprehensive skill set make her a valuable asset to the community she serves.
Trudie F. Milner, Ph.D., is a senior vice president and chief operating officer of Onvida Health in Yuma, Arizona. Holding a Ph.D. in sociology, she specializes in policy, organizational behavior, and change management. With over 25 years of diverse healthcare leadership experience, her background spans entrepreneurship, corporate healthcare, integrated multi-hospital systems, and academic medical centers. Dr. Milner’s accomplishments include developing new lines of business, innovative service delivery methods, multi-disciplinary collaboration, quality improvement, performance enhancement, and strategic planning. Passionate about healthcare education, she is an adjunct assistant professor in the College of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she has taught for a decade. A committed researcher and published author, she excels in advancing healthcare practices.
Parking Instructions
Please park in P1 and make your way to the building labeled 3C. You will see Onvida Health signage and members of our team will direct you to the conference room.