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You can play a role in advancing patient-centered research outcomes across South Texas by joining the Creando Conexiones Virtual Forum.
This virtual forum, set for 1 p.m. Central on Oct. 30, 2025, is part of the “Creando Conexiones: Cancer Health Research Agenda” project at UT Health San Antonio, which is funded by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
Expert panelists from Mays Cancer Center, UT San Antonio, Blue Faery, Hope at Heart Foundation, cancer survivors and caregivers, and more will discuss the top research priorities on cervical cancer, liver cancer, and pediatric leukemia in South Texas.
Panelists will also explore the significance and vision of how this research can be conducted alongside survivors and their caregivers.
About the Forum and the Creando Conexiones: Cancer Health Research Agenda
The Creando Conexiones project and forum are led by the Mays Cancer Center and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.
The two-year project focused on identifying Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research (PC-CER) priority areas, research topics, and research questions.
Priority areas were identified by cancer survivors, caregivers, and stakeholders affected by the disproportionate cancers observed in South Texas—cervical cancer, liver cancer, and pediatric leukemia.
These research priorities have been identified and discussed using interviews, surveys, and strategic planning sessions with survivors, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to reflect on their experiences, questions and answers received or provided regarding their treatment and care, and while navigating their overall cancer journey.
The forum will feature the results of the project.
Expert panelists will include:
- Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America!, director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research, chair and professor of Population Health Sciences, and Associate Director Community Outreach and Engagement for the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio
- Rebecca Jones, assistant director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research and assistant director of community outreach and engagement for the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio
- Coralia Vazquez-Otero, assistant professor of public health at UT Health San Antonio
- Jason Massiatte, CEO of Hope at Heart Foundation
- Andrea Wilson Woods, President and Founder of Blue Faery
The Need for Patient-Centered Cancer Research in South Texas
In South Texas, people have higher risk of liver cancer, cervical cancer, and pediatric leukemia than the nation.
That is why the Creando Conexiones project came about.
During the virtual forum, panelists will share patient-inspired research priorities to address liver, cervical, and childhood cancers, help finalize a research agenda, and discuss collaborative plans to implement the agenda.
“We know that research has the most impact when guided by voices of cancer survivors and community members,” said Dr. Rebecca Jones, assistant director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research and part of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.
Share your perspectives at the forum!
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