Mailman School Co-Hosts Physician Affiliate Group of New York’s 9th Annual Research Day

Columbia Mailman School co-hosted the Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY)’s 9th Annual Research Day with The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and COMMUNITY Center, on November 13, bringing together health care professionals and researchers from across the New York Metropolitan area. Held at Columbia University’s Low Memorial Library, this year’s event emphasized the critical need for community-focused research to reduce health disparities and improve care for New York’s most underserved populations. PAGNY is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals health care system and one of the largest physician groups in New York State.

Mary Beth Terry, PhD, professor of epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School, was a featured speaker at the event, where she underscored the power of community engagement in advancing medical research. “We need everyone at the table to solve health disparities,” Terry said. “Clinical providers are on the front lines of care, and their perspectives are invaluable in driving research that is both relevant and impactful.” She highlighted the COMMUNITY Center, a collaboration with PAGNY and other institutions funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), which seeks to address health disparities in chronic disease through a community-centered, cross-disciplinary approach.  

“The research presented at PAGNY’s Research Day is not only groundbreaking but deeply rooted in our shared mission to provide equitable, high-quality care,” said Edward Chew, chief executive officer of PAGNY. “By bringing together providers committed to patient-centered research, we are setting the stage for lasting improvements in the health outcomes of the most vulnerable communities.”  

The event featured poster presentations of 100 research abstracts spanning more than 14 medical specialties and addressing over 50 unique health conditions, as well as oral presentations from research winners in three categories. This year, for the first time, the research platform was expanded to include health care professionals from across the New York metropolitan area, fostering multi-institutional collaboration. 

PAGNY Research Day is an important platform for disseminating research that impacts New York City’s diverse patient population. From studies on social determinants of health to evidence-based solutions for chronic disease management, the research presented offers a pathway toward a healthier and more equitable future. Awards were presented to outstanding medical professionals for Research, Case Report/Case Series, and Quality Improvement.

In her comments, Terry also emphasized the importance of breaking down silos between research areas. “The root causes of health disparities—whether environmental, social, or economic—are interconnected,” she explained. “Our work, such as training community health workers to improve cancer screening rates within African American church congregations, shows that research and community-driven health interventions go hand in hand.”  

“Research saves lives,” she stressed. “By prioritizing collaboration and placing community needs at the forefront, we can create research outcomes that are not only scientifically sound but also culturally and socially meaningful.”