Mary Cunningham

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp

Heather Carroll — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:34:46 +0000

High school students build AI solutions at College of Public Health summer camp Heather Carroll Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:34

Key Takeaways

Through the AI in Health Camp, the College of Public Health helped high school students develop a practical understanding of artificial intelligence and how it can be used responsibly to improve health and health care.
Through hands-on projects, students created their own AI agents and applied what they learned to real-world challenges ranging from healthy sleep habits to athlete recovery and braces care.
The camp gave students confidence using emerging technology while introducing them to career opportunities at the intersection of health, technology, and public service.

Through hands-on projects and mentorship from experts, high school students learned how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, create an AI agent, and explore how AI is used to improve health care.

Students attending the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

At 911��'s College of Public Health, 30 juniors and seniors spent a week doing what few adults have done: building their own AI agent. While many high schools restrict the use of AI, the AI in Health Summer Camp—hosted by the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics—showed students how AI can be used responsibly to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

By the end of the week, students could explain how AI works, build and customize their own AI agents in Microsoft Copilot, identify health care applications of AI, and better understand careers at the intersection of technology and public health. Students reported learning about the growing role of AI in health care, the complexity of hospital systems, the importance of responsible AI design, and how to apply AI skills to healthcare and future career opportunities.

"We're not allowed to use AI in school. I haven't learned anything [about AI] in school, which is why I'm here," said a participant.

Abdul Hafeez, Assistant Professor in Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics, works with students at the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

For many students, the camp challenged their assumptions about AI.

“I learned a lot about how AI is used in health care. One of my favorite parts was programming AI agents and seeing how they could be used to solve specific healthcare problems. The camp was engaging, informative, and a great learning opportunity,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Others left with greater confidence in their ability to use emerging technology.

"Before, I thought AI would be complicated, but it's really simple to figure out," said a participant.

Working in teams of two, students created customized AI agents designed to address specific health-related needs. Their projects ranged from tools that encourage healthy sleep habits among students to AI assistants that support athlete nutrition and injury recovery, as well as chatbots that answer questions about braces and agents that help users learn essential cooking skills.

“Learning about chatbots and AI through the AI in Health Summer Camp was a rewarding experience and something I will carry with me as I continue exploring my interests. I am grateful to the professors and teaching assistants who made the camp such a meaningful learning experience,” said a participant in the post-camp survey.

Student learning about a chatbot during the AI in Health Summer Camp
Photo by Mary Cunningham

In addition to working with the college's faculty, students learned directly from health care professionals who shared perspectives on AI, technology, and the changing health workforce. Guest speakers included Jim Borda, public health informatics and IT manager at the Fairfax County Health Department; Jessica Rocca Czelusniak, associate vice president of applications and CNIO at VHC Health; and College of Public Health alums Kate Rzucidlo, Claire Leonard, and Iqra Chaudhry.

For the College of Public Health, the camp represents an investment in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of health care. For students, it offered something just as valuable: the knowledge and confidence to begin imagining their place in that future.

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

Summer Camps

Health Informatics

College of Public Health

Students

Shame, stigma, and culture prevent male intimate partner violence survivors from seeking help, study finds

Heather Carroll — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:05:28 +0000

Shame, stigma, and culture prevent male intimate partner violence survivors from seeking help, study finds Heather Carroll Wed, 08/12/2026 - 13:05

Key Takeaways

Across racial and ethnic groups, the main barriers to men seeking help for intimate partner violence are viewing it as a private matter, fear of retaliation, shame, and concerns about not being believed.
This study is among the first large-scale (nearly 2,000 men) U.S. studies to compare help-seeking barriers among non-Latino Black, Latino, and non-Latino White men victims of intimate partner violence.
By identifying the challenges that may prevent men from accessing intimate partner violence support, the findings can help inform more effective and inclusive services for male victims.

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

911�� researchers found that barriers to help-seeking vary across racial and ethnic groups, highlighting gaps in support for male survivors.

Men are less likely than women to seek help after experiencing intimate partner violence, and new research from 911�� found that the main barriers include viewing it as a private matter, fear of retaliation, shame, and concerns about not being believed.

Lyric Russo, postdoctoral researcher. Photo provided

In this study, postdoctoral researcher Lyric Russo explored these barriers across racial and ethnic groups in order to address gaps in research in these underrepresented demographics.

“By centering men’s perspectives across racial and ethnic backgrounds, the findings support a more inclusive understanding of intimate partner violence and underscore the importance of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-inclusive interventions that broaden access to and engagement with existing services,” said Russo, first author on a paper recently published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities.

This study is among the first large-scale (nearly 1,200 men) U.S. studies to compare help-seeking barriers among non-Latino Black, Latino, and non-Latino White male victims of intimate partner violence. The study was led and paper co-authored by acclaimed male IPV researcher Denise Hines.

Why does this matter?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 44% of men report being victims of IPV, but many of these men are not receiving support, highlighting the significance of understanding barriers to seeking help.

Denise Hines, Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor. Photo provided

“By identifying the challenges to seeking support, the findings can help inform more effective and inclusive services for diverse groups of male victims,” said Hines, Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work.

“Without focused research, interventions, and support services may fail to reflect the experiences and needs of male victims,” said Russo.

What are the detailed study findings?

Across all racial and ethnic categories, viewing abuse as a private matter was the most common barrier to seeking help.
Latino men were significantly more likely to express concerns about shame or embarrassment being a barrier.
Black men were less likely to report concerns about not being believed.
White men were more likely to report difficulty in labeling their experiences as abuse.

Additional details

The paper, Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Male Victims of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence: Insights from Black, Latino, and White Men, was published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities. The paper was selected as the July 2026 editor’s choice article and invited for a research feature on the APA Division 51 (Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities) blog. It is available free of charge. Paper co-authors include Jennifer L. Mezzapelle of 911��, Chiara Sabina of Rutgers University, Kerry A. Lee of Bryn Mawr College, and Emily M. Douglas of Montclair State University.

thumbnail provided by Nadeem from AdobeStock

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

College of Public Health

From military medicine to health policy: A distinguished alum reflects on his PhD experience

Heather Carroll — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:24:04 +0000

From military medicine to health policy: A distinguished alum reflects on his PhD experience Heather Carroll Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:24

Key Takeaways

Christian Betancourt, PhD Health Services Research ’22, will receive the 911�� College of Public Health’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award for his leadership in military, federal, and academic health care.
Betancourt credits 911��’s mentorship and hands-on research with helping him translate complex data into evidence-based health policy.
Now an assistant professor at Uniformed Services University and deputy chief within the Defense Health Agency’s Health Informatics Division, Betancourt mentors future military health care leaders.

Christian Betancourt, PhD Health Services Research '22, and the College of Public Health's 2026 Distinguished Alumni, discusses how the mentorship and hands-on research at 911�� continue to influence his work at Uniformed Services University and the Defense Health Agency.

Christian Betancourt
photo provided

Four years after earning his PhD in Health Services Research, Christian Betancourt will return to 911�� this fall to receive the College of Public Health's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Today, Betancourt serves as an assistant professor at Uniformed Services University and deputy chief within the Defense Health Agency's Health Informatics Division. Over his nearly three-decade career spanning military, federal, and academic health care, he has led veterans' mental health programs, directed a nationally ranked graduate program, and advanced health informatics and policy across the military health system.

Bentacourt recently reflected on how his 911�� experience continues to influence his career and daily decisions.

Why did you choose the 911�� College of Public Health?

After more than 20 years as a financial and administrative officer in federal health care, including time with the Navy, Marine Corps, and Veterans Affairs, I had a deep operational understanding of the system's challenges. I chose 911�� because I wanted to move from managing these challenges to fundamentally understanding and solving them. The PhD in Health Services Research has a strong reputation for rigorous, policy-focused research. Its location near the nation's capital and direct connections to major health systems like the Defense Health Agency was the perfect match to bridge my experience with the academic expertise needed to drive meaningful, evidence-based change in federal health care.

What experiences at 911�� had the greatest impact?

The mentorship I received was the cornerstone of my experience. My dissertation committee, especially my chair, Panagiota Kitsantas, treated me as a future colleague, pushing me to think critically about policy, access, and outcomes. My dissertation on substance-use disorders and mental health among U.S. veterans allowed me to apply both quantitative and qualitative research methods to a topic I’m passionate about. My coursework also provided the methodological toolkit I now use at the Defense Health Agency to analyze data and inform policy decisions.

The hands-on research opportunities were equally transformative. As the sole recipient of the Navy's DUINS (Duty Under Instruction) Scholarship to attend 911��, I was able to fully immerse myself in my research.

How did the PhD in Health Services Research program help prepare you for the work you're doing today?

911�� equipped me with the skills to translate complex data into actionable policy insights. The program taught me how to systematically investigate complex health care challenges using rigorous research methodologies. Today, I rely on quantitative data analysis, program evaluation, and qualitative research to understand both the "what" and the "why" behind health trends and develop data-driven solutions.

Just as importantly, my time at 911�� profoundly shaped my identity as an educator and mentor. Experiencing the faculty's dedicated mentorship inspired me to pay that forward in my own teaching. The rigorous academic standards and collaborative environment continue to inform how I develop curricula and mentor the next generation of military health care leaders and public health professionals.

What would you say to someone considering a degree in public health or health services research?

If you are driven to not just work in the health care system but to make the system itself work better, this is the field for you. My career began on the front lines of military medicine, and I saw the challenges firsthand. A degree in Health Services Research gives you the tools to address those challenges on a systemic level. Your work can improve care for thousands or even millions of people by shaping policy, optimizing resources, and ensuring that decisions are based on evidence, not just tradition. It's uniquely challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Learn more about the 2026 911�� Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Learn more about the PhD in Health Services Research.

Considering a PhD in Health Services Research?

Alum Christian Betancourt says the combination of policy-focused research, faculty mentorship, and connections to major federal health organizations gave him a foundation he continues to use in his career.
The program equipped provides with the skills to translate complex data into actionable policy insights and how to systematically investigate complex health care challenges using rigorous research methodologies.
Betancourt's advice: If you want to improve health care on a large scale by shaping policy and making evidence-based decisions, 911��’s health services research programs teaches you the tools to do that.

Topics

Alumni

CPH alum

PhD in Health Services Research

College of Public Health

Military

doctoral students

Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities'

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:17:45 +0000

Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities' Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 15:17

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Key Takeaways

Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities.
With more than 25 years of experience, Hines is a national expert on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization.
This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her commitment to mentoring emerging scholars, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions.

An international expert on male intimate partner violence, Denise Hines has more than 25 years of experience researching men’s lives, mental health, relationships, and intimate partner violence victimization.

Denise Hines

International expert on male intimate partner violence Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities, a journal of the American Psychological Association.

Hines is the Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work at 911��’s College of Public Health and has spent more than 25 years conducting research on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization. She is a leader in male intimate partner violence research and help-seeking strategies.

This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her longstanding commitment to mentoring early career researchers, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions for individuals, families, and communities.

“The journal has played a formative role in advancing understanding of men's lives, health, relationships, and well-being, and I am honored by the opportunity to help shape its future," said Hines. “I am particularly excited to foster rigorous, innovative, and inclusive scholarship that captures the diversity and complexity of men's experiences, supports emerging scholars, and advances research with meaningful implications for practice, policy, and social change. After more than two decades as an author, reviewer, editorial board member, and guest editor, I view this role as an opportunity to give back to a field that has profoundly shaped my professional life while helping position the journal for continued growth and impact.”

Hines served on the journal’s editorial board since 2021 and recently guest edited a special issue focused on men’s experiences with intimate partner violence and family abuse victimization. She has had nine articles published in the journal, including her first-ever publication in 2001. In 2010, she was named in the Top 10 Most Productive Psychology of Men and Masculinity Scholars, and the only female scholar to make the Top 10.

“My work has often focused on populations whose experiences are overlooked or misunderstood, particularly male victims of intimate partner violence, and I hope to continue supporting research that improves practice, policy, and public understanding of men’s experiences,” said Hines.

She begins her four-and-a-half-year term as editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities in January 2027.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Men's Health

Mental Health

Faculty and Staff News

College of Public Health

Turning data into better health: 911��’s Bachelor’s in Health Informatics earns CAHIIM accreditation

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:08:01 +0000

Turning data into better health: 911��’s Bachelor’s in Health Informatics earns CAHIIM accreditation Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 15:08

Key Takeaways

911��’s Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics has earned prestigious CAHIIM accreditation, making it one of only two accredited undergraduate programs in the nation and the first in Virginia.
The nationally recognized program prepares students to turn health data, technology, and artificial intelligence into solutions that improve patient care and strengthen health systems.
As demand grows for professionals who can bridge data and decision-making, 911�� equips graduates with the technical and health care expertise employers need across hospitals, government agencies, and industry.

In This Story

Panagiota Kitsantas, PhD

Janusz Wojtusiak, PhD

The College of Public Health's nationally recognized program prepares students to meet rising demand for professionals who transform health care by turning data and technology into improved patient care.

Health informatics plays a central role in modern health care, where electronic health records, artificial intelligence, and analytics are transforming how care is delivered and healthcare managed. The field focuses on translating complex health data into insights that support better outcomes for patients and populations.

That work has reached a defining milestone at 911��. The College of Public Health’s Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics has officially earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), making 911�� one of only two programs nationwide to achieve undergraduate accreditation. As the first in Virginia, this distinction reinforces the university’s position as a leader in preparing the next generation of health informaticians.

“The Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics reflects the strength, rigor, and growing impact of our undergraduate education in this critical field,” said Panagiota Kitsantas, interim chair of the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics, which houses the informatics program. “It underscores our commitment to providing an education that equips students to address today’s challenges and harness data and technology to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.”

Unlike traditional data analytics or engineering degrees, health informatics is grounded in the health context itself. Students gain technical skills in data and technology while also learning how health systems function, how care is delivered, and how decisions affect patients and communities. Health informatics is not simply about applying technology to health. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to transform data into informed action across healthcare settings.

The timing is significant. The field is expanding quickly, with roles emerging across hospitals, government agencies, and private industry for specialists who can manage data, improve systems, and guide decision-making. As digital tools expand and artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into clinical settings, employers increasingly seek graduates who understand both the technical and human dimensions of care.

911��’s Master of Science in Health Informatics has been CAHIIM-accredited for more than 10 years. Accreditation of the bachelor’s program builds on that strong foundation and reinforces the college’s commitment to preparing graduates to lead health systems increasingly shaped by real-time data, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation.

“From their first courses through hands-on experiences, our students are immersed in the complexities of health data, information systems, advanced technology and how they shape real-world decisions,” said Janusz Wotusiak, director of 911��’s health informatics programs. “What sets them apart is their ability to connect that data to the realities of health care delivery—developing the skills not only to analyze information, but to apply it in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen health systems, and drive better outcomes for patients and communities.”

As the field has evolved and become more vital to health care, 911�� has continued to expand its health informatics programs to meet workforce needs. 911��’s health informatics program dates back to the late 1990s when a health information systems concentration was first offered. The standalone Master of Science in Health Informatics was launched in 2012.The Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics launched in 2021 as a standalone program after a decade-long offering of health informatics concentration, in response to growing demand for professionals who can improve patient care through data.

The department also offers Discovery Science and Health Informatics concentration under the Health Services Research PhD program that is a natural continuation for students who decide to continue their education.

“We had students who completed our undergraduate, master's and PhD in health informatics. This shows maturity of the program and ability for students to progress,” said Wojtusiak.

Why accreditation matters

CAHIIM accreditation is the gold standard for health informatics education. It ensures that a program meets rigorous national benchmarks for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and workforce relevance.

For students, CAHIIM accreditation means:

Confidence in their degree’s value in a competitive job market
Preparation aligned with employer needs across health systems, government, and industry
Training that integrates technical skills with health care knowledge and practical application

As demand accelerates for professionals who can bridge data and decision-making, 911��’s fully accredited program prepares graduates to step into roles where they can use data not only to analyze the past but also to drive better decisions for the future of health care.

Topics

Accreditation

Health Informatics

Campus News

Case study winners share how the competition prepares students for public health careers

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:32:58 +0000

Case study winners share how the competition prepares students for public health careers Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 10:32

Key Takeaways

Three 911�� College of Public Health interdisciplinary teams earned national recognition in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education, winning two gold awards and one bronze for developing evidence-based mental health interventions.
Students said the competition provided valuable hands-on experience in public health program planning, while strengthening their professional skills, confidence, and ability to solve complex health challenges.
Participants emphasized that working across disciplines was one of the most important lessons, showing how diverse perspectives and expertise lead to stronger public health solutions and better career preparation.

In This Story

Michelle S. Williams, PhD, MSPH

Three 911�� interdisciplinary teams placed in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education. Students share what they learned from the experience and why they recommend it to others.

Three 911�� interdisciplinary teams placed in the 2026 National Case Study Competition in Health Education. Students say the experience strengthened their public health skills, expanded their professional networks, and reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ananya Edupuganti

Through the competition, students gained hands-on experience in public health program planning, built confidence in addressing complex health challenges, and learned how professionals from different disciplines work together to develop effective solutions. Three College of Public Health teams earned national recognition, including two gold awards and one bronze. Graduate teams Manisha Jagdesh Leemani, and Isela Caballero and Jessica Hively and Ananya Edupuganti each earned gold awards, while undergraduate students Michael Kaleem and Ava Parker earned bronze. Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health Michelle Williams advised all three teams.

The annual competition challenges undergraduate and graduate students to develop evidence-based solutions to real-world public health problems. This year's participants were tasked with designing culturally responsive mental health interventions for youth and their families.

"This is a unique opportunity for a nursing student [to be able to participate in a public health case competition] due to the nursing school’s location within the College of Public Health. As an undergraduate and master’s student at a different university, I was not aware of similar opportunities and have found it to be a really valuable learning experience,” said Hively, who is working on a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and graduate certificate in public health.

All of the participants described the competition as both challenging and rewarding. Their experiences highlighted three key takeaways: gaining real-world intervention planning experience, building professional skills and confidence, and learning the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

What did students gain from participating in the case competition?

Real-world intervention planning experience

Beyond designing interventions, participants said the competition helped them develop practical workplace skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Ava Parker

“I thought that this would be an incredible opportunity to gain skills necessary for successful public health program planning, it would open doors to network with like-minded faculty and students, and I could contribute to something that I am passionate about. I knew that this experience was going to be so much fun, and I was right: This was amazing!” said student Ava Parker, who is working on a bachelor's degree in community health.

The undergraduate team explored how district-wide partnerships with local schools and community organizations in Portland, Oregon, could support culturally relevant mental health awareness, early intervention, and peer support programs to better serve students.

“I saw it as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside another graduate student. It ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my graduate program and reinforced my passion for public health,” said Caballero, a MPH student.

Building skills and confidence

“This case competition was incredibly helpful in building skills and confidence needed to create targeted public health programs. I learned how to effectively and efficiently work as a team, where each person is able to contribute their own sets of skills to find solutions to public health problems,” said Parker, who would like to pursue a career in infectious disease surveillance at the local, state, or federal level.

Michael Kaleem

“I learned that program implementation takes time and careful planning. Additionally, you have to be as realistic as possible and think a lot about the what ifs because there could be a lot of holes poked in your methodology if you do not think about these things,” said Honors College student Michael Kaleem, who has completed a BS in Community Health and also pursuing an accelerated master's in public health.

“This case competition was much more public health-focused, which challenged me to rethink how I approached problems as an administrator. I had to look beyond financial sustainability and operational considerations and think more deeply about community impact, health equity, and population health outcomes. It was a great opportunity to challenge myself, learn from a different perspective, and grow both personally and professionally,” said Ananya Edupuganti, Master of Health Administration ’26.

The graduate teams developed a culturally responsive mental health intervention that partnered with a local Native American organization to deliver CBT-based programming for youth and their caregivers.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Perhaps the most significant takeaway was learning how professionals from different disciplines can work together to address complex public health challenges. Case competitions provide students the opportunity to work with students and faculty in other disciplines they may not interact with in their classes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to public health.

Jessica Hively

“I participated in the case competition because I was interested in the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team. I am an MSN to DNP and graduate certificate in public health student, and Ananya was a Master of Health Administration student. These types of interdisciplinary opportunities mimic the ‘real-world’ public health and health care environments and are great opportunities for learning,” said Hively.

“The most valuable lesson I learned was how much we can learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Our collaboration reminded me that the strongest solutions are rarely developed in isolation; they come from bringing together different areas of expertise, listening to one another, and working toward a shared goal. That experience is something I will carry with me throughout my career in health care,” said Edupuganti, who recently accepted a position with UF Health Shands Hospital in health care operations and analytics.

Advice for students considering participating in a case competition

Jagdesh Leemani and Isela Caballero

“Go for it, even if it's your first one. It's a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and apply what you've learned to real-world challenges. Don't worry about having all the answers. Focus on learning from the experience, trust your teammates, and enjoy the process,” said Caballero.

"Treat the competition as an opportunity to learn rather than as a test of what you already know. Some of the most valuable lessons come from discussing different ideas, receiving feedback, and refining your thinking along the way. You don't need to have all the answers, you just need to stay curious, contribute your perspective, and be open to learning from others," said Manisha Jagdesh Leemani, MS Health Informatics '26.

Students say the experience offers an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world public health challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and build skills that translate directly to future careers.

Topics

CPH Student Research

Student Research

competitions

College of Public Health

Students

Honors College

Can AI help make medical records less biased? New study suggests yes—with caveats

Heather Carroll — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:50:49 +0000

Can AI help make medical records less biased? New study suggests yes—with caveats Heather Carroll Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:50

Large language models can identify judgmental language in clinical notes but the settings play a major role in accuracy.

Teenu Xavier PhD, RN. Photo provided

“Addict,” “non-compliant,” “failed treatment,” and “obese person” are examples of stigmatizing language that can appear in medical records. At 911��’s College of Public Health, researchers are exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) can help identify this kind of language in clinical notes before it impacts patient care.

Nurse scientist Teenu Xavier and colleagues found that large language models (LLMs) show promise in identifying stigmatizing language in clinical documentation, but their performance is highly dependent on their settings. Model size, temperature settings, prompting strategies, and even note type can substantially influence results.

One finding was consistent across every model tested: Providing examples of stigmatizing language improved accuracy.

“Simply selecting an LLM is not enough when used for clinical documentation,” said Xavier, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. “Careful attention must be paid to settings and prompting before these tools can be reliably used in health care environments.”

Why does this matter?

The use of stigmatizing language in clinical documentation can reinforce bias and affect a patient’s future care. AI tools may be able to help identify this kind of language, promoting more equitable care and improving patient trust and experience.

“Pre-trained models, when optimized for identifying stigmatizing language, could help enable more timely interventions and modifications to the documentation process,” Xavier said. “Our research highlights the need for continued collaboration between health care professionals and AI developers to create tools that improve communication, reduce bias, and improve the overall patient experience.”

What are the detailed study findings?

The largest LLM (trained on large amounts of data) was the best at predicting “stigmatizing” language (94%), but the worst at predicting “not stigmatizing” correctly (47%).
The smallest LLM was the best at predicting “not stigmatizing” correctly (99.7%), but worst at predicting “stigmatizing” correctly (2%).
When researchers gave the LLM an example of stigmatizing language, accuracy improved in all models.
Emergency provider notes were most accurately (69%) categorized as “stigmatizing” or “non-stigmatizing,” and plan of care notes had the lowest accuracy (56%). Misclassifications most commonly arose in long, clinically dense notes where neutral descriptions of complex illness or adverse events were mistaken by the models for judgmental language.
Larger models worked best at lower temperature (how predictable or random the LLMs’s output is when making a classification) and smaller models improved with higher temperature, which means the LLM took more risks in interpretation.

“Detecting stigmatizing language with large language models: mind the settings” was published in JAMIA Open in April 2026. Co-authors include Jane M. Carrington from the University of Florida and Joshua Lambert from the University of Cincinnati.

Thumbnail photo by issaronow from Adobe Stock.

Key Takeaways

A 911�� study found that large language models show promise in identifying stigmatizing language in clinical documentation, but their performance is highly dependent on their settings, such as model size, temperature settings, prompting strategies, and note type.
The ability to detect and correct stigmatizing language early can reduce bias in patient care and lead to improved patient trust and better health outcomes.
Continued collaboration between health care workers and AI developers is needed to create tools that enhance communication, reduce bias, and improve the overall patient experience.

Learn about Artificial Intelligence at 911��

Topics

large language models

Machine Learning in Health Care

Health Care Services

College of Public Health

Artificial Intelligence

Research

Sleep problems in dementia care linked more to emotional well-being than fear of falling

Heather Carroll — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:27:48 +0000

Sleep problems in dementia care linked more to emotional well-being than fear of falling Heather Carroll Tue, 07/07/2026 - 13:27

Key Takeaways

For dementia care recipients, positive emotion was associated with better sleep, while psychological distress, like depression and anxiety, was associated with worse sleep among caregivers.
Though the study found that fear of falling was associated with poorer sleep for both partners, emotional well-being ultimately showed a stronger association with sleep than fear of falling itself.
This study by 911�� researcher Kyeung Mi Oh is the first to examine the relationships between fear of falling in older adults with probable or possible dementia and the subjective sleep quality of both care recipients and their spousal caregivers.

In This Story

Kyeung Mi Oh, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN

While fear of falling has long been linked to poor sleep among older adults, new research from 911�� suggests emotional well-being may be an even stronger predictor of sleep quality for people with dementia and the spouses who care for them.

Dementia researcher Kyeung Mi Oh, professor in the School of Nursing. Photo provided.

In what is believed to be the first study of its kind, dementia researcher Kyeung Mi Oh examined how fear of falling and sleep quality interact within dementia caregiving couples where one partner has probable or possible dementia and the other serves as caregiver.

Falls are a common concern among older adults and can lead to reduced mobility, more frequent hospital visits, and limits on daily activities. Many individuals also develop a persistent fear of falling, causing them to avoid activities even when they are physically able. In dementia care, that fear can further increase caregiver burden and affect sleep for both partners.

Though the study found that fear of falling was associated with poorer sleep for both partners, emotional well-being ultimately was more strongly linked to sleep outcomes.

Why does this matter?

“These findings suggest that improving emotional well-being may be more important for sleep health in dementia care dyads than addressing physical health factors alone,” said Oh, professor of Nursing in 911��’s College of Public Health.

For care recipients, positive emotion was associated with better sleep, while psychological distress, like depression and anxiety, was associated with worse sleep among caregivers.

The results highlight the importance of assessing both physical and emotional factors in dementia care.

“Routine assessment of fear of falling, fall history, and psychological distress in both members of dementia care couples could help identify those at risk for poor sleep,” said Oh. “Clinically, interventions that promote emotional well-being and reduce psychological distress may improve sleep for both care recipients and caregivers, highlighting the need for a family-centered approach to dementia care.”

Key Findings:

Fear of falling was associated with poor sleep; however, after factoring in demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors, positive emotion predicted lower insomnia severity in care recipients, while psychological distress predicted higher insomnia severity in caregivers.
Both fear of falling and recent falls were linked to worse insomnia for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Yeonsu Song from the University of California, Los Angeles co-authored the paper, “Fear of Falling and Sleep Disturbances in Spousal Care Dyads Affected by Dementia,” which was first published online in January 2026 in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Thumbnail photo By Koto Amatsukami from Adobe Stock.

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Karen Drenkard announced as Acting Divisional Dean of the 911�� School of Nursing

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:59:44 +0000

Karen Drenkard announced as Acting Divisional Dean of the 911�� School of Nursing Taylor Thomas Fri, 03/06/2026 - 11:59

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Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

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Karen Drenkard has been announced as the 911�� School of Nursing Acting Divisional Dean.
Drenkard, a 911�� School of Nursing alumna (PhD '06), boasts an impressive career as a leader in nursing education and health care innovation across academic, clinical, and organizational settings.
As Acting Divisional Dean, Drenkard's expertise will further the School of Nursing's mission to produce nursing leaders who will contribute to the health of all populations through innovative and impactful research, practice, and service.

Karen Drenkard. Photo provided.

The College of Public Health welcomes Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN as its new Acting Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing. A 911�� alum (PhD ’06), Drenkard brings exceptional leadership, national recognition, and deep expertise across academic nursing, clinical practice, health care innovation, and strategic program development. As President of Drenkard Healthcare Consulting, LLC, she has guided large integrated health care systems, schools of nursing, technology companies, and national organizations in strategic planning, academic–practice partnership development, quality management, and leadership advancement.

"Dr. Drenkard's distinguished career and transformative leadership in nursing education and health care innovation will help advance key initiatives in the School of Nursing. We welcome her vast expertise and visionary approach, which are well-aligned with our mission to advance health and well-being through education and innovation,” said Dean of the College of Public Health Melissa Perry.

Most recently, Drenkard served as professor and associate dean of clinical practice and community engagement at The George Washington University School of Nursing, where she led major clinical initiatives, including the school’s COVID-19 response efforts. Her prior leadership includes a decade as Chief Nurse at Inova Health System, as well as executive roles at GetWell and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, where she served as Executive Director of the Magnet Recognition® Program.

Drenkard is recognized nationally for her transformative leadership and service. She currently chairs the Inova Alexandria Hospital Board Quality and Safety Committee and serves on the boards of the American Organization for Nurse Leaders, the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board, and the Watson Caring Science Institute. She is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Councils for the Indiana University School of Nursing and Russell Sage College, and serves as visiting faculty at the UCSF School of Nursing.

Her thought leadership extends across the country through hundreds of keynote presentations and her extensive faculty work with the UCSF Leadership Institute, where she teaches executive sessions on strategic planning, succession planning, and the integration of human caring into leadership practice. She has also developed comprehensive leadership modules for major health care organizations, spanning executive presence, business planning, financial management, career mapping, and media engagement.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the National Academies of Practice, Drenkard earned her PhD in nursing administration, policy, and ethics from 911�� and is both a Wharton Nurse Executive Fellow and a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow.

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Health administration and policy trailblazing leader P.J. Maddox retires after 30 years at 911��

Mary Cunningham — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:32:38 +0000

Health administration and policy trailblazing leader P.J. Maddox retires after 30 years at 911�� Mary Cunningham Fri, 04/04/2025 - 09:32

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After 30 years of outstanding service to 911��’s health administration and policy programs, distinguished leader and cherished member of the College of Public Health P.J. Maddox will retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. Maddox, who has served for 20 years as chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy and is co-director of the Virginia Center for Health Workforce, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled dedication, innovation, and impact.

P.J. Maddox, PhD, professor and chair, Health Administration and Policy

Maddox's illustrious career at 911�� has been nothing short of transformative. Starting as an assistant professor in 1995, Maddox oversaw creation and growth, establishing the Office of Health Services Research in the Center for Health Policy and a few years later, the Department of Health Administration and Policy and its many award-winning programs. Under her visionary leadership, the department flourished. P.J. launched innovative programs where she and the faculty have received prestigious accolades.

Dean Melissa Perry expressed her profound gratitude for Maddox's contributions, stating, "Dr. P.J. Maddox has been a beacon of excellence and innovation at 911��. Her visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing health education have left an indelible mark on our institution. Maddox's impact on the College of Public Health and the broader community is immeasurable. She has inspired countless students, faculty, and professionals, and her legacy will continue to guide us for generations to come. P.J., we are deeply grateful for your years of service and wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement."

Maddox's achievements have been recognized widely. Awards and recognition include being named the 2021 911�� Faculty of the Year and the 2025 911�� Legacy Award winner, as testament to her legacy through her contributions to the university's mission, values, and growth, shaping the institution in meaningful ways.

Throughout her acclaimed career, Maddox, who holds and Doctor of Education; Master of Science, Nursing; and a Master of Science in Nursing, has made significant contributions to academia. Maddox’s academic career has included numerous peer-reviewed academic papers and book chapters and has been awarded prestigious research grants from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, Health Resources and Services Administration, Claude Moore Foundation, Northern Virginia Area Health Education Council, Virginia Joint Commission on Healthcare, U.S. Office of Domestic Preparedness, and National Institutes of Health. Her research has advanced the field of health administration and policy, earning her recognition as one of the Top Health Administration Faculty in the U.S. by Modern Healthcare.

“Where to I begin on my adoration for Dr. P.J. Maddox? P.J. has been a mentor, friend, coach and advisor since I started my master’s program in the late 1990s and is to this very day. Her perspective, passion for education, advancement of our field, community service, and mentorship puts P.J. on a pedestal all by herself. I cannot imagine the Mason Nation without P.J. in the faculty! Wishing P.J. well on her retirement, thanks for her years of service to our field, the thousands of students she has helped educate, advance and support. Happy retirement my dear friend and know you are in our hearts always!” said David Goldberg, College Advisory Board member; president and CEO, Mon Health System, Davis Health System-Vandalia Northern Region; and MHA alum.

Under Maddox's guidance, the Department of Health Administration and Policy has flourished. A vanguard for online education, she was instrumental in launching the university’s first online program partnership, resulting in the enrollment of over 300 students in the online master's in health administration and MS in Health Informatics programs since 2018. The department has been an early adopter of 911��’s efforts to expand access to academic programs, participating in Mason Advance and Advance Online undergraduate programs, as well as expedited matriculation pathways such as bachelor-to-accelerated masters and articulation pathways with Northern Virginia Community College.

Maddox's vision and leadership established the Department of Health Administration and Policy as a separate entity from the School of Nursing in 2005. Since then, the department has grown from five full-time faculty to 21 faculty and three administrative support staff, with student enrollment increasing by more than 180 percent since 2010. Under her stewardship, the department has developed and implemented six new degree programs, earning accolades such as the Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education award from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) in 2022 and CAHME Herzlinger innovation in education award in 2025.

Her efforts have also led to the launch of the first stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics degree in Virginia in 2021 and the reaccreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA) by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) with Full Certified Undergraduate Program Status in 2020 for an additional six years.

Maddox, along with Caroline Sutter, established the Mason Center for the Health Workforce in 2022. In April 2024, the Center received $921,000 in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and has been featured in several news outlets for addressing the health care worker shortage.

“After decades of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact, my esteemed co-director of the Center for Health Workforce at Mason, Dr. PJ Maddox, is retiring from 911��. With deep admiration and a touch of bittersweet pride, I celebrate her extraordinary contributions not only to the CPH programs she helped to shape, but to the health workforce across Virginia. P.J.’s brilliance, compassion, and pioneering spirit elevated our Center, inspired countless students, and strengthened our mission to advance healthcare talent and innovation. As my partner and mentor, she leaves a legacy woven into the fabric of our community—one that will guide us for years to come. As she embarks on this well-earned next chapter, I wish her joy, discovery, and the same passion she brought to our work every day. Thank you, P.J., for everything,” said Caroline Sutter, co-director of the Center for Health Workforce with Maddox.

Within the College and University, Maddox has held pivotal roles, including professor, assistant and acting dean, program coordinator, director for the Office of Research Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics, coordinator for the Health Systems Management graduate program and director for the Office of Research Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics, assistant dean then acting director of Graduate Health Science Programs, and most recently, and co-acting director of the School of Nursing. Her legacy of excellence and unwavering commitment to the field will continue to guide and inspire future generations.

Maddox's retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Her contributions to 911�� and the field of health administration and policy are immeasurable, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. We extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As she embarks on this new chapter, we wish her all the best in her retirement and future endeavors.

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Mary Cunningham

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Turning data into better health: 911��’s Bachelor’s in Health Informatics earns CAHIIM accreditation

Karen Drenkard announced as Acting Divisional Dean of the 911�� School of Nursing

Health administration and policy trailblazing leader P.J. Maddox retires after 30 years at 911��