Research Focus
Our primary research focus is on identifying, understanding addressing disparities in access to care for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. We use mixed-methods, community engaged research and implementation science to achieve our research goals. Our work spans multiple aspects of research including:
- Health Services Research: Studying how health systems and policies impact access to cancer care, with the goal of identifying gaps and proposing solutions to improve the equitable delivery of care. We study how healthcare more broadly, and cancer care specifically is accessed, and how cancer care is structured, delivered, and utilized to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency
- Health Disparities in Treatment Access: We study the underlying modifiable barriers that may impact health disparities in GI cancers.
- Patient Centered and Stakeholder Engaged Research: By engaging with patients, caregivers, and medical providers to better understand their experiences and expectations around cancer care, we are studying how to provide care in a manner that is more patient-centered and accessible.
Active Projects
Identifying Barriers to Foregut Cancer Care
Foregut cancers account for approximately 20% of cancer deaths in the United States each year, with an incidence projected to increase by 70% over the next ten years. These aggressive cancers require coordinated, specialized multidisciplinary care to deliver complex therapies in a timely manner for optimal outcomes. Identifying these barriers is critical to reduce health disparities.
This project aims to develop a strategy for early and accurate identification of patients at risk for non-GCT using patient-centered, mixed methods research.
Grant Support
- Reducing health disparities in foregut cancers by using modifiable barriers to predict risk for inequitable care: a novel implementation science-based approach NIH; National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
- Other Grants
- Department of Defense Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Focused Pilot Award
- UAB Dissemination & Implementation Science Pilot Program Grant
Community Involvement
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Fonseca is committed to community engagement, hoping to bridge the gap between newly formed knowledge and the community. Community engagement also forms a critical part of our research.
Education
Our lab developed and established a bi-weekly Health Services Research Conference designed to equip the next generation of surgeons and healthcare professionals with essential skills in clinical and health services research. This dynamic conference serves as a platform for discussing the latest innovations in health services research. Through interactive discussions and presentations from experts across multiple disciplines, participants gain valuable insights into cutting-edge research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and policy implications. Whether you are a medical student, resident, or early-career researcher, this conference provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, enhance your research acumen, and contribute to impactful studies that aim to improve healthcare delivery and equity.
