Family and Community Medicine Research

Researchers in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, have been approved for $1.9 million funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to demonstrate the most effective engagement approach for underrepresented and vulnerable populations in clinical research.   

Samantha Jones, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, has dedicated her career to understanding health disparities. Her current research focuses on understanding the impact of identity-based stressors on the prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer in Black women.

The COACHS initiative connects athletic trainers within Richmond County schools to the education and health sectors. COACHS represents a joint effort between Augusta University, Wellstar MCG Health, the Richmond County Board of Education and the Hub for Community Innovation. High school athletic trainers build personal relationships with students, provide care and act as a bridge to the health care system for students who may feel uncomfortable, mistrust the health system or lack insurance coverage.