Community Conversations: Where Do You Fall?

Our commitment to the Milwaukee area remains unwavering. At the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), the health of our local community has always been our primary focus. Community Conversations emerged as a platform for crucial discussions on health that amplify the diverse experiences of individuals in the area. We began with a series on mental health, where medical experts, community leaders and individuals with personal experiences in mental health challenges shared their perspectives. Our subsequent installment in the series brought the dialogue between MCW researchers and community members to the forefront. The Face2Face episodes featured Milwaukee community leaders conversing with MCW faculty to discuss scientific research and its application to improving the health of our community.

Building upon the previous discussions, our “Where Do You Fall” series expands the previous one-on-one discussions into vibrant group conversations, bringing diverse voices together to explore the multifaceted impact of scientific research on the Milwaukee community. Our format involves community members and MCW scientists responding to statements from a moderator and physically positioning themselves to indicate their level of agreement, from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.”

Throughout this exercise, we covered a wide array of topics, including medical mistrust, the real impact of research on our community and the importance of building trust in scientific findings. These discussions aim to offer insights into the world of research and its effects on our lives, both on a personal and community level.

MCW emphasizes the significance of having conversations like these. These dialogues spark awareness, understanding and collaboration that are crucial for the betterment of our community's health and well-being. Stay tuned for enlightening and thought-provoking discussions that drive progress.

When I think about research, I think about medical trials.

In this video, we're joined by a diverse group of individuals, each bringing a unique perspective to the discussion. Featured in this installment are Justin Roby, a finance and human resources expert; MCW Associate Professor Dr. Charles Rogers; Patricia Ruiz-Cantu, a community relations innovation expert; Harry Evans, founder of Heal Black Man; Shary Pérez Torres, health research program coordinator at the United Community Center; and MCW Assistant Professor Dr. Jessica Olson. They've come together to explore the statement, "When I think about research, I think about medical trials." In this engaging conversation, they'll share their reasons for choosing to agree or disagree, offering insights that shed light on the complex relationship between research and our community's well-being.

I have been impacted by medical mistrust.

Featured in this installment are Andrew Trumbull, founding co-director of the Burmese Rohingya Community of Wisconsin Inc.; Harry Evans, founder of Heal Black Man; Wave Chapelle, Milwaukee-based musical artist; and Jessica Olson, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of community health at MCW. Each responded to the statement: "I have been impacted by medical mistrust."

I know of ways that research has impacted my community.

Featured in this installment are Harry Evans, founder of Heal Black Man; Patricia Ruiz-Cantu, a community relations innovation expert; Jessica Olson, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of community health at MCW; and Wave Chapelle, a Milwaukee-based musical artist. Each responded to the statement: “I know of ways that research has impacted my community.