Population Health
Our division chief, Rebekah Walker, PhD, focuses her research on reducing and eliminating health disparities by addressing social determinants of health and social risk for adults with chronic disease.
The Division of Population Health conducts work aimed at understanding and improving the health of populations by addressing the factors that influence health, such as social determinants of health, behavioral factors, environmental factors, and health care access and quality.
At the University at Buffalo’s Division of Population Health, researchers, health care systems, and community partners are working together to change how care is delivered and improve health at the population level. Through innovative community engaged research, targeted mentorship and training programs, and a focus on data driven solutions, the division is generating evidence that can influence clinical practice, inform health policy, and expand access to effective care. These efforts demonstrate how population health research can create lasting improvements in health outcomes for entire communities.
As featured in the ADA TV Thought Leadership Film Series at the American Diabetes Association's 86th Scientific Sessions, the Division of Population Health represents a model for how research can create meaningful change beyond traditional health care settings. The video highlights our division's large community-based clinical trials that test interventions in real-world settings, as well as national database studies that identify opportunities to improve health care policy. Strong partnerships with community organizations help build trust, increase participation, and ensure research reflects real needs. By combining data, community engagement, and clinical insight, this approach supports more effective, scalable solutions to complex health challenges, particularly in chronic disease prevention and treatment.
Improving health outcomes requires expanding beyond treating individual patients by understanding health and addressing inequalities at the population level. Explore our current research studies that are actively seeking participants, completed research we are in the process of publishing to guide future care guidelines, and data-driven studies generating insights for health policy. Learn more about our active studies.
