Addressing Non-Medical Risk Factors of Health through Community-based Participatory Research
Welcome!
At the George Washington University School of Nursing, we are committed to addressing the growing health challenges posed by Non-Medical Risk Factors of Health (NMRF). Nursing and health professional researchers are uniquely positioned to lead efforts that investigate the root causes of uneven health outcomes and develop meaningful, community-informed solutions.
One powerful method for advancing progress in this area is community-based participatory research (CBPR)—an approach that actively involves community members, practitioners, and researchers throughout the research process. CBPR helps correct imbalances in health outcomes by ensuring that research is community-relevant, builds on local strengths, and fosters capacity building and mutual benefit. By engaging the community in every phase of research, CBPR not only encourages the development of relevant and effective studies but also nurtures a sense of ownership, empowerment, and sustainability.
To support this vital work, we offer an interprofessional short course funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). This six-month program includes both online learning components and a one-day, in-person capstone session in Washington, DC. It is designed for nursing and health professional researchers who seek to deepen their understanding of NMRF and apply that knowledge using CBPR principles.
Participants will gain practical tools to design inclusive studies that incorporate varied perspectives and translate NMRF insights into tangible, real-world health improvements.
Join us in this important effort to advance evidence-based solutions and help shape the future of public health research.
Apply Now for October 2025 - April 2026 cohort
Program Overview
With a small cohort of 10-12 participants, this blended learning course offers an engaging mix of in-person and online experiences, including:
- Faculty-guided webinars featuring guest speakers sharing real-world NMRF research applications and interactive discussion of learners’ NMRF research ideas and progress. (6 monthly sessions)
- Self-directed eLearning modules with video lectures, readings, and other resources
- Individual faculty mentorship
- Independent development of a community-based NMRF research proposal, guided by coursework
- Peer review of draft research proposals
- Personal reflections
- Capstone session in Washington, DC
Schedule (UPDATE TO BE PROVIDED)
Online webinars:
- Dates: One Thursday each month – September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11, January 8, and February 12
- Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM Eastern
In-person Capstone session at George Washington University, Washington, DC:
- Date: March 21
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Eastern
*Dates and times are subject to change
Continuing Education Credit (CEU) and Micro-Credentials
Participants will receive a GW micro-credential and 5 CEUs for successfully completing the short course, which is estimated to require 50 hours of learning time. The Postgraduate Institute of Medicine will provide the CEUs.
Cost
There is no cost to participate in this short course. Funds will be provided for each participant to travel to Washington, DC.
Eligibility
We will host two training cohorts, each consisting of 10-12 participants. We welcome applications from practicing nurse scientists, scientists from aligned fields (i.e., medicine, public health, arts, and science) from across the United States, and GW students (graduate and undergraduate) and faculty.
Submit Your Application
To apply, please provide the following by [DUE DATE] via the online application:
Statement of Interest (2 pages max) explaining:
Your current professional activities and accomplishments in relation to social determinants of health and/or community-based participatory research
Your learning goals for enhancing your knowledge and skills in developing and implementing CBPR study to investigate and address the impacts of NMRF on the health of the community
Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Support
Apply Now for October 2025 - April 2026 cohort
Contact Information
Sherrie Wallington, Ph.D.
Professor of Nursing
The George Washington School of Nursing
Milken Institute School of Public Health
GW Cancer Center
202-994-1481
Email: [EMAIL FOR SDOH SHORT COURSE]
Funded by NIH NINR (5R25NR021373-02)
IRB INFO: EXEMPT
Project Team
Team
Sherrie Flynt Wallington, Ph.D., MA
Christine Pintz, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, ACC, FAANP
Laurie Posey, Ph.D.
Shari Sliwa, MA
Faculty
Erin Athey, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Ana María del Río-González, Ph.D., MA
Sage Kim, Ph.D.
Karina Lora, Ph.D.
Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, MD, MPH
Yuself Ransome, MPH, DrPH
Quiping (Pearl) Zhou, Ph.D.
Advisory Board
Karen A. McDonnell, Ph.D.
Silifat Mustapha, RN, MPH
Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, MD, MPH
Terrence Staley, BS
Karen Fraser Wyche, Ph.D., MSW