Community Health Symposium highlights
Stanford Medicine partnerships

On September 30, the Spectrum CTSA Office of Community Engagement and the School of Medicine Research Office hosted the 23rd Annual Community Health Symposium, uniting nearly 300 healthcare professionals, community leaders, faculty, staff, and students to tackle critical issues in community health. This year's symposium emphasized the unwavering commitment of the School of Medicine’s Research Office and the Spectrum CTSA to tackling variations in health outcomes and enhancing healthcare access for all populations. Dr. Ruth O’Hara, School of Medicine Senior Associate Dean for Research and Principal Investigator of Spectrum CTSA, and Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas, Faculty Director for the Spectrum CTSA Office of Community Engagement, delivered opening remarks that highlighted the essential role of collaborative research in driving impactful community health initiatives.

Event hosts included:

Stanford Medicine | School of Medicine

Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Research

Spectrum CTSA: Stanford Center for Clinical & Translational Research and Education

Office of Community Engagement

Office of Faculty Development and Engagement | HEAL Network

One of the most compelling moments of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring speakers from three community-academic research partnerships. The panel shared insights on what it takes to build trust-based foundations for building strong research collaborations that stand the test of time.  

The symposium also featured an inspiring array of posters, exhibitors, and an oral poster presentation, each showcasing innovative, community-driven initiatives. These segments provided attendees with valuable opportunities to engage with researchers and community leaders making a tangible impact on public health.

The day concluded with the annual award ceremony, where organizations and leaders were recognized for their commitment to advancing community health. A recording of the event is available here.

PHOTOS: Top row from left: Senior Associate Dean for Research Dr. Ruth O'Hara; OCE Executive Director Dr. Wei-ting Chen and RMB Staff Award recipient Dr. Janine Bruce; Community Health Workers/Promotoras for the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; OCE Faculty Director Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas; Bottom row from left: CHS poster presenters (Health Ambassadors Program); Lenora Williams from Black Ladies Associating for Cancer Care (BLACC); volunteers at the event with OCE Research Program Associate Henry Alva Alva.