Reimagining Health Equity in the Era of Precision Medicine
Featuring:
Dr. Rick Kittles
Senior Vice President for Research at Morehouse School of Medicine
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome Dr. Rick Kittles for his talk "Reimagining Health Equity in the Era of Precision Medicine."
Dr. Kittles studies complex issues connecting race, genetic ancestry and health. He is best known for his research on prostate cancer and health disparities among African Americans.
This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested. Check-in will open at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Location: is Lumpkin Auditorium, 8th Floor, Close-Hipp Building.
About Dr. Rick Kittles
Rick Kittles, Ph.D., is the inaugural Senior Vice President for Research at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Kittles was previously Professor and founding Director of the Division of Health Equities within the Department of Population Sciences at the City of Hope (COH) and Associate Director of Health Equities of COH Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Kittles is also Co-founder and Scientific Director of African Ancestry, Inc. Dr. Kittles serves on many national and international steering committees and advisory boards. He has been a member of the Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC) for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI/NIH) and is Past Council Chair of the Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). He has been at the forefront of the development of genetic markers for ancestry and how genetic ancestry can be used in studies on disease risk and outcomes. In March of 2012 Dr.Kittles presented the Keynote Address to the United Nations General Assembly, “International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.” He received a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from George Washington University in 1998.
Dr. Kittles’ research has focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding race, genetic ancestry, and health. He has published over 260 research articles and is well known for his research on prostate cancer and health disparities among African Americans.
About the Berger Lecture on Cancer
The Berger Lecture on Cancer honors the career of Dr. Franklin G. Berger, a longtime faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. His more than 35 years of service to the university have included research and public outreach that supported the creation of the Center for Colon Cancer Research and the Colorectal Cancer Prevention Network. The lectureship was established by his brother, Harris Berger.
The Berger Lecture on Cancer brings scholars to speak to a general audience on advances pertaining to the nature, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and social aspects of cancer. By encouraging collaboration and the exchange of scientific knowledge, the lecture expands the public awareness of cancer-related research and will further progress in the battle against the disease.