That question will take center stage at the Health Equity Summit Research Showcase, as part of the Fifth Annual Health Equity Summit, a two-day hybrid event to be held at UVM September 24–25, in person at the UVM Davis Center’s Grand Maple Ballroom and online. The summit—which brings together researchers, physicians, health care professionals, community leaders, advocates, and residents to explore solutions for advancing health equity—is a rare opportunity for community members to speak directly with researchers and clinicians about health issues affecting Vermont communities and learn how research shapes patient care, prevention, and public health.
Research as a Driver of Healthier Communities
A highlight of the event will be a Research Showcase on Friday, opening at 2:00 p.m. with a keynote address by Kate Tracy, Ph.D., senior associate dean for research at the Larner College of Medicine and director of research at UVM Health. In her presentation, Dr. Tracy will discuss how scientific discovery contributes to healthier communities.
Following the keynote, approximately 20 Larner researchers will lead “Ask a Scientist,” an interactive session that allows attendees to rotate among topic-based tables and engage directly with researchers and clinician-scientists in small-group conversations. At the same time, researchers and clinicians gain valuable insight into the priorities, questions, and lived experiences of the communities they serve. The exchange is designed to create meaningful dialogue that benefits both attendees and the professionals working to improve health and health care in Vermont. Researchers representing basic science, medicine, public health, and clinical research will discuss topics ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to brain health, women’s health, healthy aging, rural health, and clinical trials.
Co-led by Nimrat Chatterjee, Ph.D., M.Sc., assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics and a member of the UVM Cancer Center, and Debora Kamin Mukaz, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine, the research symposium grew from a concept proposed by the Larner Office of Intercultural Excellence to create greater opportunities for community engagement with research and clinical medicine.
By making research more accessible, attendees can learn about emerging discoveries and medical advances, share their own experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping health and health care in Vermont.
“This symposium creates a unique opportunity for community members and researchers to meet directly, ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in conversations that often occur separately within scientific, clinical, or community settings,” said Dr. Chatterjee. “We hope those conversations help build a stronger bridge between discovery and the communities it is ultimately meant to benefit. At a time when health care, research, and public health face significant challenges, those connections are more important than ever.”
Many Vermonters are unaware of the breadth of research taking place at Larner and how that work affects patients, families, and communities. By making research more accessible, attendees can learn about emerging discoveries and medical advances, share their own experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping health and health care in Vermont.
The format also reflects an important dimension of health equity by creating opportunities for community members to engage with the research, innovation, and clinical care intended to address their health needs. These conversations help ensure that research and clinical practice remain connected to the experiences, priorities, and concerns of the communities they are intended to benefit.
“Ultimately, I hope participants leave having learned something new while experiencing a form of engagement they may not routinely encounter,” said Chatterjee. “If a community member leaves feeling more comfortable asking a scientist or physician about their work, and a researcher or clinician leaves with a deeper appreciation for the questions and perspectives community members bring, then I believe the symposium will have achieved something meaningful.”
Turning Insight into Impact
In addition to the Research Showcase, the Health Equity Summit will feature interactive sessions, expert panels, and storytelling focused on examining the root causes of health disparities and sharing real-world approaches to change, with the aim of advancing equity—the fair and just opportunity for everyone to achieve their highest level of health—across clinical care, policy, education, and community systems.
The summit’s opening keynote will be presented by pediatrician, scientist, activist, and author Dr. Mona Hanna, named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Century. Disability activist and author Eli Clare will present the closing keynote, an interactive experience exploring how ableism (a system of oppression and marginalization targeting disabled and chronically ill people) manifests in health care.
The summit is designed to spark bold conversations, uplift underrepresented voices, and drive actionable strategies that transform how we understand and achieve health equity across our communities.
The Health Equity Summit is presented in partnership with UVM Health, the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, and the UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences. This event is a collaborative space for health and health care professionals, community leaders, researchers, advocates, and other change-makers to learn from one another and build partnerships in pursuit of a more just and equitable future. The summit is designed to spark bold conversations, uplift underrepresented voices, and drive actionable strategies that transform how we understand and achieve health equity across our communities.
All are welcome, and there is no cost to attend the Health Equity Summit; however, registration (whether in person or online) is required. Registration includes on-demand access to all session recordings for 90 days following the event.
