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 Latino health. I am finishing a preliminary study to later propose a randomized behavioral trial to test an innovative method for cancer screening among Latinas. I lead a group comprised of grassroots community members and organizations working with Latinos, seeking to obtain funds to implement a promotores (lay health advisors) network in Pittsburgh. For the past seven 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. 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 fall, it is a traditional format with sessions every week. In the spring, it is a hybrid course, mostly web-based, with three required face-to-face sessions. I regularly work with students who wish to conduct research with Latinos. 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.
SERVICE
I serve as the coordinator for the BCHS doctoral program and also sit on GSPH’s Faculty Diversity Committee. Outside the University, I have served as a reviewer for several journals, including Health Education and Behavior, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, the Journal of the National Medical Association, and the Journal for Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. For several years, I led a community-based participatory practice effort to design and implement a church-based service fair offering a single event with information about various health and human services available to Spanish-speaking residents of Allegheny County. In 2009, transfer of leadership to the community was completed. I serve on the board of the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). Since 2001, I have been active in the Latino Caucus of APHA, having served as the Scientific Program Organizer for the 2007 and 2008 meetings. Currently, I serve as Treasurer for the Latino Caucus.
MOST RECENT PUBLICATIONS
- Sharma, R., McGinnis, K., Documét, P. (2008). Disparities in Health Status and Health-Service Utilization among Hispanic Ethnic Subgroups. Social Work in Public Health. 23(2):167-191.
- 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.
- Green, H.H., Documét, P. (2005). A Community-Based Initiative for Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Journal of Adolescent Health, 37, 100-107.
Documét, P., Sharma, R. Latinos Health Care Access: Financial and Cultural Barriers. Journal of Immigrant Health. January 2004. 6 (1): 5-13. - 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.