Abstract B035: Mayo Clinic Cancer Comprehensive Center Community Outreach and Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotations
Authors: Albertie Monica , Reeves Chelsea , Stephenson Noreen , Odedina Folakemi 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The Community Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotation (IMRR) connects Mayo Clinic Florida (MCF) medical professionals to partners in the Florida catchment area to better understand administrative operations, the referral processes of these organizations and how best they fit the needs of the communities they serve. The goal is to give residents exposure to a more diverse population including rural, Black and Hispanic/Latin as well as connecting them with partners where community- based research is conducted. This IMRR is also designed to encourage cancer-focused community based research (CBR). We learned that the lack of patient diversity at MCF was a drawback to resident recruitment and developing an interest in cancer focused health disparities research. We agreed to assist in this potential solution to the diversity deficit. Methods: The goal for the elective is to provide senior residents with an introduction to community engagement and cancer focused community engaged research. The elective consists of one week of didactics and one of experiential learning. The first week includes an introduction to cancer health disparities in our catchment areas and how to conduct cancer focused CBR. During the second week, residents interact with community partners focused on providing care and cancer education to those who otherwise may not have access to resources. Strategically, these partners are those with whom we are engaged in cancer research initiatives. Internal Medicine Residents (IMR) complete visitation paperwork that included Background Screenings and Sovereign Immunity Contracts. We limit the number of IMR to two in order to accommodate some of the smaller community clinic spaces. IMR visit community partners for no less than a half day each and at the end of the rotation they debrief and complete rotation evaluations. Data: Rotation evaluations aggregated to date indicate 91.67% of IMR feel the rotation meets the goals and objectives. In addition, evaluation comments indicate an improved understanding of population health as well as community resources for improved health and wellness in underserved populations. Anecdotal comments also show evidence of increased understanding of cancer focused CBR and cancer related health disparities. Conclusion: IMMR through community outreach and engagement visits have increased understanding of how partners address varying cancer burden needs. The IMRR has increased residents’ awareness of how environment impacts access to healthcare and improved cost-conscious ordering and treatment plans (medications). IMR better understand the significance of how social determinants of health (SDOH) resources impact community. IMR are better equipped to help patients and their families navigate to additional SDOH solutions and are familiar with the referral process for community safety net resources. The offer of this type of IMRR has enhanced recruitment to MCF training programs and significantly increased IM and fellow participation in cancer focused CBR initiatives and studies.

Citation Format: Monica Albertie, Chelsea Reeves, Noreen Stephenson, Folakemi Odedina. Mayo Clinic Cancer Comprehensive Center Community Outreach and Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B035.