Panel Speakers and Facilitators
Elizabeth A. Williams, Ph.D ., M.Div
Elizabeth A. Williams, Ph.D ., M.Div
Elizabeth A. Williams, Ph.D ., M.Div
Professor and Interim Dean, College of Public Service
• • • • •
An applied medical anthropologist, Dr. Williams’ research expertise is in developing, implementing and evaluating multi-level interventions to prevent and/or reduce cancer and other racial/ethnic health disparities. Dr. Williams has participated in and initiated community-based participatory research (CBPR) and evaluation projects with community, public health and academic partners; developed community partnerships in cancer disparities & other health efforts (including with media), and advised policy to support improved clinical care and public health access for underserved populations. With a professional background as a senior public health official, senior healthcare administrator in an academic medical center, licensed clergy, and academician, Dr. Williams has worked on research and applied efforts across the country, notably in the southeast United States.
• • • • •
Noted for her work in eliminating cancer health disparities, cultural competence and community-engaged research, Dr. Williams is the author of Black Women and Breast Cancer: A Cultural Theology (2019). With more than a dozen published scholarly papers, book chapters and technical reports, Dr. Williams has presented her work to national and international audiences.
Sonya Reid, MD MPH
Elizabeth A. Williams, Ph.D ., M.Div
Elizabeth A. Williams, Ph.D ., M.Div
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Hematology/Oncology (Breast Oncology)
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• • • • •
Sonya Reid, MD, MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center). Dr. Reid's research primarily focuses on health disparities in breast cancer, young-onset breast cancer, and hereditary breast cancer. Specifically, she is investigating genomic differences that may be contributing to the racial survival disparity in breast cancer.
• • • • •
Dr. Reid is also focused on improving health care delivery to underserved communities and increasing the representation of minority patients in clinical trials. She is also actively involved in breast cancer research in Jamaica and recently completed a Master of Public Health degree from Vanderbilt University with a focus on Global Health. Dr. Reid received the Martin Luther King Jr. award in recognition of her work in diversity, inclusion, and equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Clinically, she focuses on caring for breast cancer patients with a special interest in high-risk patients.
Raeshell S. Sweeting, MD
Raeshell S. Sweeting, MD
Raeshell S. Sweeting, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Program Director, Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship
Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery
Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion
Section of Surgical Sciences
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
597 PRB, 2220 Pierce Ave.
Nashville, TN 37232
• • • • •
A Nashville native, Dr. Sweeting currently serves as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she focuses on breast cancer care. She received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, followed by two years of employment as an economist at Lehman Brothers Bank in New York. She then went on to study medicine at New York University School of Medicine followed by Surgical Residency at the University of North Carolina Medical Center where she had the honor to serve as Chief Resident in her final year. She most recently completed a fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology at Vanderbilt University where she now remains as faculty.
• • • • •
Dr. Sweeting’s research focuses on health disparities and economic implications of health care delivery. One of her most recent projects focuses on the narratives of Black women with breast cancer and their associated support networks.
Leah R. Alexander, Ph.D.
Raeshell S. Sweeting, MD
Raeshell S. Sweeting, MD
Interim Director, MSPH Program
Associate Professor, Division of Public Health Practice
School of Graduate Studies and Research
Office: 615.327.5839 | Fax: 615.327.6829
Leah Alexander, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor
• • • • •
School of Graduate Studies and Research, Division of Public Health Practice at Meharry Medical CollegeLeah Alexander, PhD, MPH is a Nashville native. She has a MPH degree in Health Behavior as well as a PhD in Health Education and Promotion both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, Dr. Alexander is an Assistant Professor in the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Division of Public Health Practice at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She is an avid proponent of community-engaged research. Her current projects focus on HIV prevention among African American women and MSM of color, health promotion with interactive technology and theory-based intervention development. In addition, she teaches Research Design, Health Education and Promotion, Health Behavior and Readings in Public to MSPH students and Medical Residents at Meharry.
• • • • •
Dr. Alexander received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.