Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Developed as a part of the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai, the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity conducts a wide range of research, from molecular/genetic to behavioral, and research-driven community outreach and engagement (COE). COE efforts focus on compliance with cancer screening guidelines and major behavioral and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, tobacco cessation and dissemination of the latest, most accurate cancer information. To increase effectiveness and extend our reach, the Center has established partnerships with many diverse community organizations in Los Angeles county and statewide. The center has also established research consortia at the statewide, national, and international levels.
Another main initiative of the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity is the expansion of clinical trial participation in underserved populations. The center is dedicated to educating L.A. community members about the facts and myths surrounding clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai offers potentially lifesaving medical treatment to many of our patients and a goal of the Center is to increase awareness and access to such trials for underserved communities.
See photos from our past events below.
Meet the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity Team
Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity brings together industry leaders to improve health equity for underserved populations in Los Angeles County and throughout California.
Director and Faculty
- Robert Haile, DrPH, MPH
Director, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Professor, Medicine
Associate Director for Population Health Sciences, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
Endowed Chair in Population Health Sciences - Jane C. Figueiredo, PhD, MSc
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Director, Community and Population Health Research, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
Associate Director, Center for Integrated Research on Cancer and Lifestyle for Epidemiology, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
Research Scientist, Division of Hematology Oncology
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine - Geetanjali Datta, ScD, MPH
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity - Gillian Gresham, PhD, MSc
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity - Christie Jeon, DSc
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology Oncology - Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, PhD
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Professor, Medicine
Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology - Celina H. Shirazipour, PhD
Faculty, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity
Center Staff and Administration
- Zul Surani
Director, Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) & Operations
Cancer Research Center for Health Equity - Josyel Castellon
Program Manager - Loraine A. Escobedo, PhD, MPH
Project Scientist, Catchment Area Data and Research - Laurel Finster, MPH
Research Programs Advisor - Anita (Joan) Levine, PhD
Project Scientist - Shenazar Esmundo, MPH, CHES
Community Outreach Coordinator, Filipino Communities - Dong Hee Kim
Community Outreach Coordinator, Korean communities - Charlie Ruiz Vasquez
Community Outreach Coordinator, LGBTQIA communities - Allison Kincaid
Program Administrator - Norma Bernal
Research Administrative Coordinator - Lourdes Barajas, MBA
Latinx Lead Community Health Associate
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have any questions or wish to learn about Cedars-Sinai Cancer's Community Outreach and Engagement, please send us a message.
Zul Surani
Director, Community Outreach and Engagement and Operations
Director, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity