Gerald V. Denis

Boston University School of Medicine

Dr. Denis is a basic scientist and cancer researcher focused on the challenges of race-based disparities in science and medicine. Structural and interpersonal racism associates with several health disparities, including high incidence of obesity and diabetes, premature aging, and the progression of certain cancers. Nationwide, Black men and women often receive cancer diagnoses later than white people, experience delays in treatment or receive substandard care, and have worse outcomes. The most glaring race-based cancer disparity is seen in prostate cancer. The mistrust of Black Americans in the health system is well grounded: for example, recent reports of lead-contaminated city water in Flint, Michigan, were discounted by public health officials seeking to mollify a majority Black community. Clinicians and science professionals must take clear, specific steps against racism to educate themselves about the long history of racism in medicine and public health, heal broken trust, and rectify these health disparities.

Areas of Expertise

• Health and Medicine
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Inequality or Stratification

Methodology

• Clinical
• Experimental
• Quantitative Methods
• Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)