Latina Researcher Named a ‘First Lady’ of Prestigious Cancer Council

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, professor and director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the team behind SaludToday, was recognized as a “First Lady” of the Intercultural Cancer Council, which promotes policies, programs and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial/ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations.

The council, based at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, chooses “First Lady” honorees for their long-term and outstanding achievements in health and science.

Ramirez participated in a First Ladies award ceremony June 27, a day before the Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved and Health Equity in Houston, hosted by the council, the University of Houston and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

She also served on a panel at the symposium June 28, focusing on mapping the future of science toward health equity.

“I appreciate this peer recognition for my and my team’s work to reduce health inequalities among Latinos,” said Dr. Ramirez, who also is associate director of health disparities at the Health Science Center’s Cancer Therapy & Research Center. “I aim to continue raising awareness and conducting research to improve the lives of the underserved.”

In the past 30 years, Dr. Ramirez has directed dozens of research projects and programs focused on human and organizational communication to reduce Latino cancer and chronic diseases via risk factor studies, clinical trials and healthy lifestyle changes. Her projects have led to unique health communication models and interventions that have contributed to reducing Latino cancer rates and increasing screening and preventive health behaviors. She is frequently recognized for her work to improve Latino health and advance Latinos in medicine, public health, and behavioral sciences across the U.S., including: 2011 White House “Champion of Change”; 2007 election to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies; 2007 Professor of Survivorship from Susan G. Komen For the Cure; and 2003 Humanitarian Award from the American Cancer Society.

Find out more about the Intercultural Cancer Council here.