Community Engagement and Workforce Development

Woman standing and talking during a community event.

Through collaborative partnerships, community-engaged research, innovative programs, and investments in workforce development, we are expanding opportunity, addressing health disparities, improving access to care, and building a stronger, more resilient health care workforce across Western New York.

Two groups — headed by Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences professionals dedicated to community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion — are involved in the strategic planning:

Community Engagement

We are active within the Western New York community and throughout the state and the nation. It is our mission to improve the health of populations, communities and individuals — on both a regional to global scale.

Pathway Programs for Workforce Development/Recruitment/Retention

Our strategic plan includes initiatives preparing and inspiring people from communities underrepresented in medicine (UIM) to join the field of medicine. We plan to strengthen methods for providing more people with skills training, academic, social and emotional support, mentoring and encouragement to enhance their success.

Leading the Effort

Anyango Kamina, PhD, is assistant dean for trainee and faculty development and a research assistant professor at the Jacobs School. A microbiologist by training, she leads initiatives that support student, trainee and faculty success, professional development and inclusive excellence across the academic community.

Brendan Tom is director of human resources for the Jacobs School. He oversees human resources strategy and operations, supporting faculty and staff recruitment, talent development and organizational effectiveness. He has served in a variety of human resources leadership roles at UB since 2016.

Gustavo Arrizabalaga, PhD is senior associate dean for faculty affairs and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He oversees faculty recruitment, appointments, promotion and tenure, career development and mentoring. His research focuses on the cell and molecular biology of Toxoplasma gondii.

Recent Community-Engagement News

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Street Medicine Will Be a New Concentration for UB Family Medicine Residents, Thanks to a $2.5 Million HRSA Grant
2/17/26
The Department of Family Medicine is developing a program that trains physicians to provide high-quality, compassionate care to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
For One Medical Student, Jacobs School Felt Like a ‘Comfort Blanket Community’
3/17/26
As Match Day approaches, fourth-year medical student Maureen Fagan is reflecting on the journey that got her here — and is feeling extremely grateful for the support of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the Buffalo community.
Three New Members Join Dean's Council
1/26/26
Three new members have joined the Dean’s Council at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Structural Racism Influences Diabetes Prevalence, Study Finds
4/14/26
Both historic redlining and contemporary structural racism are linked with higher diabetes occurrence among African Americans.
Afghan Refugees in WNY Will Benefit From Mental Health Support Thanks to State Grant
4/15/26
New York State has awarded the Department of Psychiatry a grant to provide culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed mental health support for Western New York’s Afghan community.
Research Forum Showcases 85 Medical Student Projects
3/2/26
Eighty-five original research projects from aspiring physician-scientists were on display at the 2026 Medical Student Research Forum at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Panel Takes a Constructive Look at Health Inequities
3/3/26
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences hosted a moderated panel discussion Feb. 23 designed to foster thoughtful, solution-oriented dialogue around health inequities affecting communities in Western New York.
UB Launches WNY Long COVID Resource Center
5/7/26
To improve the care experience for patients by educating and engaging their providers, a multidisciplinary team of University at Buffalo researchers is launching the online WNY Long COVID Resource Center.
Beyond Blood Sugar: An NIH-Funded Study of Personalized Approach to Diabetes Care for Older Adults
9/3/26
Raphael A. Fraser, PhD, research associate professor of medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ Department of Medicine and Division of Population Health, has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Seven Medical Students Earn WNY Prosperity Fellow Status
7/13/26
Seven Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences medical students are included in the Class of 2026 fellows in the WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program.
Highlighting Advancements in Treatment of Rare Diseases
3/11/26
This year’s Rare Disease Day event Feb. 27 at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences focused on updates in research and diagnostics, and advancements in treatment.
Institute for Autism Research Moves to UB’s South Campus
6/23/26
The Institute for Autism Research (IAR) has moved to an expanded new location at UB.
Egede Named a SUNY Distinguished Professor
6/23/26
Leonard E. Egede, MD, Charles and Mary Bauer Endowed Chair and professor of medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is one of eight UB faculty members recently named as SUNY Distinguished Professors.
To Improve Health Equity on East Side, More Than $600,000 Awarded to Community Groups and UB Researchers
7/23/26
East Side community organizations and UB researchers have received funding from the Community Health Equity Research Institute for projects that help address social determinants of health.
UB, UBMD Physicians Present AEDs
8/11/26
Life-saving equipment was donated to 10 community organizations as part of larger effort.
Igniting Hope Illuminates Community Voices, Action
10/2/26
This year’s ninth annual Igniting Hope conference took place on Sept. 19 at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The theme was “Turning Community Voices into Action.”
The Practice of Balance: Remembering Jill Tirabassi
10/2/26
Jacobs School colleagues remember Jill N. Tirabassi, MD, MPH, a physician and researcher who fiercely advocated for a healthy lifestyle balance for her patients.
Gun Violence Conference Delivers Messages of Hope, Prevention and Resilience
10/6/26
More than 100 scholars, students, social workers, health care providers, law enforcement representatives, educators and activists from Buffalo and across the country gathered at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Sept. 11-12 for Rise, Respond and Rebuild: Healing Communities by Ending Gun Violence.