Florida

Representing: Scientists

As a lifelong public health advocate, former healthcare program administrator, and current health researcher, Nicole Cook is a firm believer in conducting meaningful research that considers the broadest definition of health. Understanding health varies from individual to individual based on experiences, cultural norms, community resources, and numerous other factors. When investigating “what works” to improve health, it is imperative to find a way to, if not fully understand, at least consider, the interplay of these factors. To improve her skills in this area, she returned mid-career to pursue a doctorate in epidemiology. Prior to this, she directed a number of chronic disease management and health information technology initiatives in the pharmaceutical industry and in a large network of Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Her specific interests include expanding understanding of access to primary care, particularly among underinsured populations. She is passionate about using quality improvement methods, health information technology, interprofessional teams, and the voice of patients to understand how to improve the prevention and management of primary care for vulnerable populations. She is particularly excited to work with an incredible team of patients, advocates, researchers, and clinicians through a PCORI Tier 1 award to develop a research portfolio of topics that can further understanding of how fecal incontinence is diagnosed and treated in primary care.