The Integrating Special Populations Unit provides resources for conducting research in special populations, specifically pediatric and geriatric cohorts, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with health disparities. The goal of the Integrating Special Populations Unit is to create an integrated framework, increase research projects, promote and disseminate best practices, and foster multi-sector collaborations in regards to special populations.

We currently provide consultation services, seminars, workshops, and training; assist with grant development; and facilitate community-based collaboration. Consultations with the Integrating Special Populations Unit are free of charge.

The unit focuses on three special populations with the aim to foster collaboration and enhance research with clinical and other multi-sector partners:

• geriatrics populations liaison: Scott E. Sherman, MD, MPH
• pediatrics populations liaison: Shonna Yin, MD
• health equity and racial/ethnic populations liaisons: Simona C. Kwon, DrPH, MPH; Erin Rodgers, DrPH, MPH; Nadia S. Islam, PhD; and Joseph E. Ravenell, MD

To learn more about the Integrating Special Populations Unit, contact Leigh Johnson, MPH, program coordinator, at Leigh.Johnson@NYULangone.org.

Best Practices in Special Populations Research

To promote research inclusive of special populations, our unit has developed a series of Best Practice Briefs, including resources, tools, and a review of evidence-based strategies on recruiting and retaining special populations into research.

Please access the engaging special populations best practice briefs here:

• Asian American population
• Black and African American population
• Hispanic and Latinx population
• limited English proficiency population
• older adult population
• LGBTQIA+ population

Please access our engaging special populations methodology best practice briefs here:

• Creating Multilingual Forms in Open REDCap
• NYU Langone Health Tools for Electronic Health Record (EHR) Recruitment Best Practices Brief
• NYU Langone Health Research Study and Clinical Trial Recruitment Best Practices Brief

Special Populations Research Trainings, Workshops, and Seminars

To catalyze research that integrates special populations, the Integrating Special Populations Unit conducts a number of seminars, workshops, and trainings annually. Access the recordings to our seminars and trainings below.

Health Literacy in Research Training Part 1

• Speaker: Catina O’Leary, PhD, LMSW
• Moderator: Shonna Yin, MD
• Training Recording

Health Literacy in Research Training Part 2: Health Literacy: A Tool for Engaging Community

• Speakers: Catina O’Leary, PhD, LMSW; Silas Buchanan
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Training Recording

Health Literacy in Research Workshop Part 3: Health Literacy for Research Materials

• Speakers: Lisa Cary; Mat Stevens
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Training Recording

Heritage Month Series: Disability Pride Panel

• Speaker: JohnRoss Rizzo, MD
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Seminar Recording

Heritage Month Series: LGBTQ+ Pride Panel

• Speaker: Kevin Moore, BSN, RN
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Seminar Recording

Heritage Month Series: Latinx and Hispanic Pride Panel

• Speakers: Tania Batres, MSW; Robin Ortiz, MD
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Seminar Recording

Using a Social Determinants of Health Lens in Pediatric, Geriatric, or Underrepresented Health Research

• Speakers: Keisha Bentley-Edwards, PhD, MPH; Susanna A. McColley, MD; Yu Chen, PhD, MPH; Dwight Koeberl, MD, PhD
• Moderator: Simona C. Kwon, DrPH, MPH
• Seminar Recording

Heritage Month Series: Black History Month Panel

• Speakers: Joseph Ravenell, MD; Faven Araya, MPH, DrPH(c)
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Seminar Recording

Heritage Month Series: Women's History Month Panel

• Speakers: Miriam Bredella, MD, MBA; Radhika Gore, PhD
• Moderator: Leigh Johnson, MPH
• Panel Recording