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Precision Public Health

Precision Public Health Network

Registration is open for our 2024 conference: The Transdisciplinary Conference for Future Leaders in Precision Public Health!

We are excited to welcome you to the third conference hosted by the Precision Public Health Network. This year’s theme is “The Precision Health Research Symposium: Advancing Equity in Precision Health.” The conference will be held in Charleston, South Carolina and take place on Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 15. Register and submit your abstracts today!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Register here

 

The Training Institute for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Genomics and Precision Public Health (TIDIR-GPPH) Facilitated Course is being offered in 2024!

The course is intended to provide participants with a thorough grounding in conducting dissemination and implementation (D&I) research with a specific focus on genomics and precision public health. TIDIR-GPPH will be a hybrid course including training through open access online modules with assigned reading material, office hours and culminating with a 2-day in-person event on September 5-6, 2024. (Please note: The online material is not cancer-specific, and applicable to all focus areas).
Applications are being accepted from March 18 through April 8 at 11:59 pm ET.

Submit your application here

Learn how to conduct more effective genomics and precision public health (GPPH) implementation research

  • Improve the impact of GPPH applications
  • Foster the rapid integration of research, practice and policy around GPPH
  • Integrate health equity in GPPH translational research

 

Institute Goals

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics (DBDPHG) at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Future Leaders in Precision Public Health, and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is hosting this training institute. It is an adaptation of the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences Training Institute for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer (TIDIRC) Facilitated Course and is intended to provide participants with a thorough grounding in conducting dissemination and implementation (D&I) research with a specific focus on genomics and precision public health.is. TIDIR-PPH will be a hybrid course including training through open access Training Institute for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer (TIDIRC) with assigned reading material and office hours and a 2-day in-person event. Faculty and guest lecturers consist of leading experts in D&I theories, models, and frameworks; intervention fidelity and adaptation; stakeholder engagement and partnership for D&I; research methods and study designs for D&I; and measures and outcomes for D&I.

What Is Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Research?

Dissemination research is defined as the scientific study of targeted distribution of information and intervention materials to a specific public health or clinical practice audience. The intent is to understand how best to communicate and integrate knowledge and the associated evidence-based interventions.

Implementation research is defined as the scientific study of the use of strategies to adopt and integrate evidence-based health interventions into clinical and community settings to improve individual outcomes and benefit population health.

Key Dates

Applications Due: April 8, 2024 by 11:50 p.m. ET

In-person event: September 5-6, 2024

Key Resources

This training is designed for investigators at any career stage interested in conducting Dissemination & Implementation (D&I) research with a focus on the genomics or precision public health applications. To be eligible, participants must NOT have matriculated through other National Institute of Health supported implementation science training programs (e.g. Training Institute for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health, Mentored Training for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer, Implementation Research Institute). To be eligible, participants must NOT have current R18, R01, or R01-equivalent funding as a Principal Investigator for D&I research and may not have received such funding in the past 5 years. Note: Investigators who have received an R01 or equivalent are eligible, if the funding was not specifically for D&I research. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate experience with—or potential for—working effectively in transdisciplinary teams and who have strong partnerships with—or are embedded within—health care delivery, public health, or community-based networks. We seek a balance of both junior and senior investigators, with the overall goal of bringing new people into the field of D&I research. While we anticipate that most participants will be early- to mid-career individuals, we will enroll a limited number of senior researchers who are making the switch to D&I research.

In addition, to be eligible, participants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Doctoral degrees (PhD, ScD, MD, DrPH, PharmD, MBBS, DNSc, etc.) and Master’s in Genetic Counseling (MGC) will be accepted (please contact Mindy Clyne with any specific questions).
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in health research (e.g., medicine, behavioral medicine, psychology, nursing, medical anthropology, health economics, public health, health policy).
  • Feasible D&I research concept to work on throughout the course. This should be a project that the applicant is seriously interested in conducting and/or submitting for funding.
  • Willing and able to complete the self-directed coursework and attend scheduled office hours and in-person 2-day, if accepted.
  • Federal employees are not eligible, except for individuals whose positions allow them to receive grants and function as independent researchers (e.g., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs research investigators).
  • Applicants are NOT required to be citizens, permanent residents, or non-citizen nationals of the United States. There is no fee to apply to or attend the institute. Travel to the 2-day in-person training on September 5 & 6, 2024 will be the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Attendance at the 2-day in-person training and course closeout will NOT be permitted to those who have not actively participated in the online course.

Please be sure to name your file with your last name. All documents must be either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files.

  • Personal Statement
    Implementation science is an inherently transdisciplinary field, requiring the involvement and contribution of multiple perspectives, disciplines, and stakeholders, including policy and practice stakeholders. Success in designing and conducting implementation studies requires experience, interest, and a commitment to working in a transdisciplinary manner, spanning multiple academic disciplines as well as research, policy, and practice boundaries. Please briefly describe (300-word maximum) your experience in (or plans for) productive, effective transdisciplinary work and how this fits with your goals for conducting D&I research in the future.
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
    Letter(s) of recommendation from a research mentor (or colleague for senior-level applicants) who can (a) address your potential to pursue D&I research and (b) speak to institutional interest and support for D&I research. One letter of support is required, two letters are acceptable if needed to best address criteria A and B.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    Current CV; NIH Biosketches CANNOT be submitted in lieu of a CV.
  • Concept Paper
    A concept paper describing the D&I, genomics- or precision public health-focused research project you plan to conduct and will develop during the institute. Describe the specific aims and general approach. In addition, please describe (a) the evidence-based practice or innovation you wish to implement (or that you wish to study within the context of a natural experiment of implementation or adaptation) or disseminate; (b) the type of implementation strategy or approach you envision (if you plan an interventional study); and (c) the type of evaluation or research plan you envision. Required format: not to exceed 2 pages (8.5×11 or A4), 1-inch margins, and size 11 font. Papers longer than 2 pages will not be reviewed to ensure equity in the selection process. References are not required and will not count toward the page limit.

 

Apply here

Q: I am currently a PhD student. I know that a PhD or equivalent degree is one of the eligibility requirements for TIDIR-GPPH. I was wondering if exceptions have been made in the past.
A: This institute is a very competitive program, and applicants must have a terminal degree in their field. Please follow up if you have any specific questions about this requirement.

Q: I am interested in D&I training, but I do not focus on genomics and/or precision public health research. Can I still apply?
A: This course is specifically focused on building the capacity of D&I research among genomics and/or precision public health investigators. We encourage you to consider other D&I research training programs if your research would relate to other health topics.

Q: What costs are associated with TIDIR-GPPH?
A: There is no direct cost to participate in TIDIR-GPPH. Travel expenses for the 2-day in-person component of the institute are not covered, however, we encourage you to seek reimbursement through your institution if it is available.

Q: Can my research team/partner apply as a group?
A: Only individual applications are currently being accepted for admission to TIDIR-GPPH. Your research partner/team is welcome to also submit individual applications, but we cannot guarantee the admission of your team members.

Q: If accepted to TIDIR-GPPH, what are the course requirements and expectations?
A: All online course content is available at the beginning of the training. Review of the materials is self-paced. Scheduled office hours will be devoted to modules as per the itinerary. It is mandatory to complete online course content in addition to the in-person meeting and course closeout. Assignments and office hour dates will be posted to the training site. All participants are sorted into small groups that will cover specific areas of research.

2023 Agenda

Click here to download PDF of the Conference and Workshop Agendas

Thursday, November 9

  • Conference Welcome by Dr. Megan Roberts
    • 10:00 AM EST/7:00 AM PST/3:00 PM GMT/2:00 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

  • Plenary Session by Dr. Bruce Korf
    • 0:30 AM EST/7:30 AM PST/3:30 PM GMT/2:30 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

  • Networking Lunch with the Experts
    • 11:45 AM EST/8:45 AM PST/4:45 PM GMT/3:45 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

  • Learning from the Experts Part 1
    • With Dr. Nora Pashayan, Dr. John Mathers, and Dr. Michael Kosorok
    • 12:30 PM EST/9:30 AM PST/5:30 PM GMT/4:30 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

  • Learning from the Experts Part 2
    • With Dr. Sarah Knerr, Dr. Deborah Cragun, Dr. Stephanie Best
    • 2:30 PM EST/11:30 AM PST/7:30 PM GMT/6:30 AM AEST (10 Nov)
  • Closing Session by Dr. Rachel Shelton
    • 4:15 PM EST/1:15 PM PST/9:15 PM GMT/8:15 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

  • Summary and Workshop Plans by Dr. Erin Turbitt
    • 5:00 PM EST/2:00 PM PST/10:00 PM GMT/9:00 AM AEST (10 Nov)

 

Thursday, November 16

  • Workshop Welcome by Dr. Dana Olstad
    • 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST/8:00 PM GMT/7:00 AM AEST (17 Nov)

 

  • Research Priority Workshop Led By Dr. Caitlin Allen and Dr. Amelia Smit

 

  • Introduction of Research Priority Setting

 

  • Workshop Part 1

 

  • Break

 

  • Workshop Part 2

 

  • Summary and Closing Remarks
    • 3:15 – 6:00 PM EST/12:15 – 3:00 PM PST/8:15 – 11:00 PM GMT/7:15 – 10:00 AM AEST (17 Nov)

2023 Conference Presentations

PPH 2023 Conference Introduction and Plenary Speaker 1

PPH 2023 Conference Speaker Session 1

PPH 2023 Conference Speaker Session 2 Part 1

PPH 2023 Conference Speaker Session 2 Part 2

PPH 2023 Conference Plenary Speaker and Closing

2023 Conference Posters

Congratulations to 2023 Poster Submitters. Please view the 2023 Posters below. Authors’ names are hyperlinked with their email address—feel free to reach out with comments and questions!

A Two-stage Linear Mixed Model (TS-LMM) for Summary-data-based Multivariable Mendelian Randomization

Ming Ding

Integrating precision medicine into routine healthcare: protocol for the P-OMICs-flow

Shuang Liang

eConsults: A Sustainable Alternative Service Delivery Model in Hereditary Cancer

Kimberly Foss

Precision Health Genetic Screening: Where is the Pipeline Leaky?

Kimberly Foss

Precision Psychiatry in Practice: An Ecosystem-Centered Framework

Victoria Nguyen

Production of an Implementation Blueprint for Sequencing-based Diagnostics as a Strategy to Improve Pediatric Cancer Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries 

Kenneth Busby 

Assessing willingness-to-pay for genetic testing among adults: A cross-sectional study using data from the omnibus survey 2022

Angelo Navas

Incorporating the Healthcare Provider Perspective in Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Population Genetic Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Lauren Passero

By registering for this conference, you agree to the following code of conduct:

Commitment to Provide a Safe Environment

The planning committee of the Transdisciplinary Conference for Future Leaders in Precision Public Health is committed to providing a safe environment for all conference attendees, speakers, staff, and organizers. This safety plan describes the expectations of conduct, processes for reporting and assessing alleged violations, consequences for violation, contact information for reporting and our plans for disseminating and reinforcing our safety plan.  Upon registration, all conference attendees (also including speakers, staff and organizers) will agree to abide by this plan.

Expectations of Behavior

By registering for this conference, all agree to treat others at the conference with respect regardless of others’ race, national origin, accent, color, religion, sex, age, disability or otherwise. All forms of harassment are prohibited, including sexual harassment or harassment based on sex, harassment based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, physical or cognitive disability, religion or creed, age, and genetic information. Inappropriate conduct is prohibited, including but not limited to rude comments, disrespectful jokes, insults, inappropriate gestures or pictures, inappropriate physical touching, threats, and psychological bullying or intimidation.

Reporting and Assessing Alleged Violations

To report any safety concerns, conference attendees should contact the Principal Investigators (Dr. Megan Roberts, 919-843-4071, megan.roberts@unc.edu or Dr. Caitlin Allen 843-792-4216, allencat@musc.edu). As appropriate, the reporter’s identity will remain anonymous and the Principal Investigators and Conference Planning Committee will work to resolve concerns. When it is not possible to keep confidentiality, the Principal Investigators will limit disclosure, allowing only access to identifying information needed to investigate and comply with legal procedures.

Consequences for Violations

The consequences for violations will be determined by the Principal Investigators and Conference Planning Committee on a case-by-case basis, guided by NIH definitions of harassment and discrimination. Violations meeting the criteria of harassment or discrimination will result in immediate expulsion of the offending party from the conference.

Additional Information

If conference attendees have additional questions, concerns or complaints related to harassment, they may contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Complaints can be filed with HHS OCR here: Filing a Civil Rights Complaint. In addition, individuals can notify NIH about concerns of harassment, discrimination and other forms of inappropriate conduct at NIH Supported conferences here: NIH’s Find Help webpage. To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, conference attendees can contact the Principal Investigators at least two weeks before the conference start date.

Disseminating the Safety Plan to Conference Participants

Upon registration for the event, registrants will receive a copy of this safety plan and all relevant contact information.

Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Environment

During the conference welcome, attendees will be reminded of the safety plan and the commitment to a safe and respectful environment throughout the conference. The Principal Investigators are responsible for addressing questions and concerns regarding the safety plan, and they will be present throughout the conference to support a safe and respectful environment.

2021 Conference Agenda

Download the Agenda for PharmSci 2021

October 14, 2021

  • Plenary Session
  • Expert Lectures about Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Nutrigenomics, and Gene x Environment Interactions
  • Networking with Leaders in the Field and Poster Session

October 15, 2021

  • Sandpit Workshop to develop priorities in precision public health
  • Expert lectures about Implementation Science, Health Equity, and Biostatistics
  • Networking with Leaders in the Field and Poster Session

2021 Conference Presentations

Wylie Burke, MD, PhD

Professor Emeritus, University of Washington

Muin Khoury, MD, PhD

Director, Office of Genomics and Precision Public Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD

Leon Hess Professor and Environmental Health Sciences Chair; Columbia University

Chanita Hughes-Halbert, PhD

Vice-Chair for Research and Professor, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences; University of Southern California

Peter Kanetsky, PhD, MPH

Chair of Cancer Epidemiology; Moffitt Cancer Center

Alanna Kulchak Rahm, PhD, MS, LGC

Associate Professor; Geisinger Medical Institute

Chirag Patel, PhD

Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics; Harvard Medical School

Dawn Wilson, PhD

Professor of Psychology; University of South Carolina

2021 Conference Posters

All conference attendees are invited to submit an abstract to share their work with others. Abstracts should address the overall theme of advancing precision public health. Selected presenters will be notified by email and will participate in a virtual poster session.

A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis is a Marker of Socioeconomic Advantage

Ky’Era Actkins – Poster Award Winner

Brain-derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Biomarker of CNS Metals Load with Applications in Identifying Neurodegenerative Diseases

Roheeni Saxena

Blood-based Measures of Metals Exposure and Cognitive Function in Adolescents

Roheeni Saxena

Implementation of the Hispanic Oral health Prevention & Education (H.O.P.E.) Program at the Vidas de Esperanza Dental Clinic

Sylvette Ramos-Diaz

Examining rural-urban differences in awareness, knowledge and health-related use of genetic testing in the US population

Swetha Srinivasan

Use of Machine-Learning Software to Categorize Oncotype DX Data

Keven Gomez

Advancing precision public health using the NIH “All of Us” precision medicine database and NCI Cancer Research Data Commons

Jay Ronquillo

Implementation of UGT1A1 Genotyping to Predict the Efficacy and Safety of Irinotecan for Treatment of Brain Cancer

Lirong Yang

A novel framework for precision public health

Dana Olstad

The impact of racial and ethnic health disparities in diabetes management on clinical outcomes: a reinforcement learning analysis of health inequity among youth and young adults in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Anna Kahkoska

Examining the Role of Language Competency in Genetic Testing Awareness among Adults in the United States

Lauren Passero

Adiponectin and cardiometabolic outcomes in sub-Saharan Africans: A Mendelian randomization study

Karlijn Meeks

2021 Conference Supporters

The 2021 conference was supported by:  

  • The National Cancer Institute (1 R13 CA261073-01)

    • Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by 1R13CA261073-01 from the National Cancer Institute. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

  • UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
  • UNC Lineberger Cancer Outcomes Research Program
  • UNC Lineberger Cancer Prevention and Control Program
  • UNC Program for Precision Medicine in Healthcare

Population Screening for Hereditary Hemochromatosis More than a Quarter Century After Gene Discovery – Current Status and the Path Forward

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Public Health Genomics and Precision Health: Recent Findings, Methodologic Issues, and the Path Forward

The Promise and Challenges of Implementing Pharmacogenomics to Improve Population Health: Where Are we Heading with Preemptive Pharmacogenomic Screening?

We Screen Newborns Don’t We? Progress in DNA-based Population Screening

Twenty-Five Years of Public Health Genomics: A Mini Symposium

Increasing Use and Impact of Family Health History in Medically Underserved Populations

  • November 14, 2022
  • Video

Guest Lecture with Dr. Ainsley Newson

Guest Lecture with Dr. David Chambers

Guest Lecture with Dr. Colleen McBride

Implementing Precision and Equitable Public Health in Cascade Testing for Genetic Disorders- A CDC Mini-Symposium and Virtual Panel Discussion

For more information about the conference or how to participate in ongoing Precision Public Health Network efforts, please contact Megan Roberts at megan.roberts@unc.edu