Join us in a joint GUMC Distinguished Scientist & GHUCCTS Seminar Series. "Rethinking the Role of Race in Research: Introduction to Population Conscious Analysis” with Dr. Felicity Enders.
Felicity Enders, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Associate Director, Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Deputy Director for Belonging, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center
Consultant and Professor of Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science
Location: New Research Building Auditorium and via Zoom
Race is not a biological variable. When we include it as a predictor variable, it inadvertently acts a proxy for differences that are often observed by race within our society, including structural factors. This practice is so frequent it is nearly reflexive, yet it is deeply flawed and risks embedding differences by race within clinical care.
Instead, we propose population conscious analysis. In this new method, we first identify alternative variables to utilize instead of race. The same groups who have experienced health disparity are at risk of high chronic stress. As such, they are at risk of accelerated biological aging. Direct measurement of stress, aging, or their sequellae is the first component of population conscious analysis.
Although population conscious analysis is a sophisticated concept, it relies on simple statistical tools that are included in all standard analytic software. In this talk, we will define and explore population conscious analysis as a tool to appropriately analyze race. We will also discuss a generalized version of population conscious analysis for use with any social demographic variable.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how social demographics act as a proxy within research
- Explain concerns with current research practices regarding the race variable
- Describe new best practices for research utilizing population conscious analysis
For more information or questions contact Kaitlyn Murphy at km1566@georgetown.edu.