Monica Baskin, PhD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Preventive Medicine, will serve as the first Vice Chair for Culture and Diversity in the Department of Medicine. As Vice Chair, Monica will lead our efforts to develop a culture of respect and inclusion, working with each Division to capitalize on the diverse backgrounds of our faculty, staff, and learners.

Monica joined the Department in 2009 after receiving a bachelor of arts from Emory University, a master’s and doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University, and serving on the faculties of the Schools of Public Health at Emory and at UAB. She leads a nationally recognized NIH-funded research program to reduce or eliminate health disparities through community-engaged research. Her current research focuses on the prevention and control of cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Monica has also played a leading role in galvanizing efforts to improve the health those who live in Jefferson County, Alabama. Her team produces remarkable communication tools, and she chairs the Advancing Health Equity Priority Group of Jefferson County's Health Action Partnership.