Faculty/Staff Patricia I. Documét, MD, DrPH
Assistant Professor
Doctoral Program Coordinator
Graduate School of Public Health
223 Parran Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: 412-624-1601
Fax: 412-624-5510
E-mail: pdocumet@pitt.edu
I have worked in research and evaluation projects using quantitative and qualitative methods in combination in the U.S. and internationally. My current research focus is on cancer early detection and screening and Latino health. I am conducting preliminary studies to later propose a randomized behavioral trial to test an innovative method for cancer screening among Latinas. For the past five years, I have conducted the evaluation of the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium (PAC3), a commonwealth-wide initiative aimed at eradicating cancer from Pennsylvania. I have conducted research with underserved populations in western Pennsylvania (Latinos, Appalachian, Amish and African American) both on access to health care and cancer screening. I am collaborating with faculty from the School of Nursing in a study to gauge attitudes and knowledge of mothers and daughters of three different ethnic groups regarding the HPV vaccine. My research interests include cancer, breastfeeding, racial and ethnic disparities, evaluation, and global health.
TEACHING
I teach BCHS 2525 Introduction to Applied Research in two formats. In the spring, it is a hybrid course, mostly web-based, with three required face-to-face sessions. In the fall, it is a traditional format with sessions every week.
SERVICE
I serve as the coordinator for the doctoral program. I have mentored medical students in organizing and implementing an interpreter service for Latinos at a clinic offering free medical services to adults as part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Program for Underserved Populations. Because of my affiliation with the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, I regularly mentor students designing research in or about Latin America. Outside the University, I have served as a reviewer for several journals, including Health Policy, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, the Journal of the National Medical Association, and the Journal for Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. In the past seven years, I have taken the lead in designing and implementing a church-based service fair offering a single event with information about several health and human services available to Spanish-speaking residents of Allegheny County. I serve on the board of the Area health Education Centers (AHEC). Since 2004, I facilitate the meeting of the Latino Round Table, a group that attempts to coordinate and unite the efforts of Latino organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
MOST RECENT PUBLICATIONS
- Documét, P.I., Green, H., Adams, J., Weil, L.A., Stockdale, J., Hyseni,Y. Perspectives of African American, Amish, Appalachian and Latina Women on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Implications for Cultural Competence. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 19(1): 56-74, 2008.
- Sharma, R., McGinnis, K., Documét, P. Disparity in Health Status and Health Service Utilization among Hispanic Ethnic Subgroups. Journal of Health & Social Policy. Accepted for publication.
- Documét, P., Sharma, R. Latinos Health Care Access: Financial and Cultural Barriers. Journal of Immigrant Health Title. January 2004. 6 (1): 5-13.
- Green, H.H., Documét, P. A Community-Based Initiative for Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Journal of Adolescent Health. Accepted for publication 2004.