Talk, Learn, and Collaborate (TLC) Series

The Talk, Learn, and Collaborate (TLC) Series is a place and time in which faculty, staff, learners, and our community partners, come together to learn, share, and document our strengths and innovations in service and partnership, as well as discuss community challenges and actionable steps to advance health equity.

Past events

  • August 2019: Basic Science, TX TM and Community Engagement

    Morehouse School of Medicine hosted Basic Science, TX TM and Community Engagement: The Center for Translational Research in Health Disparities (CTRHD) Bridges the Connection through Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (MDTT).

    Topics discussed included:

    • Key components of the MDTT-based approach
    • The community-engaged elements of the CTRHD
    • How Tx™ is a unifying theme of the CTRHD

    What are Multidisciplinary Translational Teams?

    Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (MDTTs) are defined as distinct academic-industry models with defined structures, processes, and goals to generate a product (1). Initially, these teams work within a multidisciplinary framework (1), but over time, successful teams can evolve into transdisciplinary teams, developing a shared conceptual framework to extend the boundaries of their particular fields (2), into areas that overlap with others.

    1. Calhoun WJ, Wooten K, Bhavnani S, Anderson KE, Freeman JE, Brasier AR. The CTSA as an Exemplar Framework for Developing Multidisciplinary Translational Teams. Clinical and Translational Science. 2013; 60(1):60–71. [PubMed: 23399092
    2. Stokols D. Toward a science of transdisciplinary action research. Am J Commun Psychol. 2006; 38(1–2):63–77. PubMed PMID: ISI:000240809800008.

    Tx™: An Approach and Philosophy to Advance Translation to Transformation

    Coined at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), Tx TM symbolizes an approach and scientific philosophy that intentionally promotes and supports convergence of interdisciplinary approaches and scientists to stimulate exponential advances for the health of diverse communities. Learn more about Tx™. 

  • February 2019: InsideOut Luncheon

    Morehouse School of Medicine’s Office of Community Engagement partnered with the Suburban Atlanta Black Ladies League to host The InsideOut Luncheon: Building an Emergency Response Kit to Aid in the Survival of Our Precious Souls.

    Dr. Patricia Russell-McCloud was featured as the keynote speaker. Russell-McCloud is the 11th National President of Links, Inc., past National Parliamentarian to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., and bestselling author of My Journal: Myself, Inside Out.

    A panel followed and featured:

    • Holly D. Reid-Toodle, CPA – Author/Speaker/Coach
    • Rosalind Mitchell, MA, LPC, NCC - Counselor/Therapist
    • Jeneita Bell, MD - Family Medicine Physician
    • Morehouse School of Medicine’s Office of Community Engagement partnered with the Suburban Atlanta Black Ladies
    • Dr. Patricia Russell-McCloud
    • Panelists included Holly D. Reid-Toodle, Rosalind Mitchell, and Jeneita Bell
    • Attendees listen the speakers at The InsideOut Luncheon
  • May 2018: Building Partnerships to Improve Latino Health

    On May 1st, Morehouse School of Medicine’s Office of Community Engagement and the Medical Spanish Club co-sponsored Building Partnerships to Improve Latino Health, part of the Talk, Learn, and Collaborate (TLC) series. Guests included community organizations that work directly with the Latino population in Georgia, which has the fastest and highest growth rate of the ethnic group in the nation according to the Atlanta Regional Commission.

    Dr. Tabia Henry Akintobi, PhD, MPH, Associate Dean for Community Engagement, convened the discussion, followed by a welcome delivered by Dr. Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, Executive Vice Dean.

    “All people of color must come together to tell our stories. We see today as an opportunity to assemble those narratives and translate them into actionable next steps that can lead to policy change,” said Sandra Harris-Hooker, Ph.D., Executive Vice Dean at MSM as she welcomed attendees.

    Guest panelists included Gilda Pedraza, Executive Director of Latino Community Fund Georgia, Belisa M. Urbina, Executive Director, of Ser Familia, Inc., Leo Martinez, President of Latino LinQ, and Brenda Liz Munoz, Bilingual Program Associate for School and Community Supports for Latino Community of Practice, Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University.

    Guests included community organizations that work directly with the Latino population in Georgia

    Each panelist gave an overview of their organization’s focus and shed light on the key issues, many of which are social determinants of health. Each seeks to address matters such as equal and fair housing, income and employment disparities, quality education, and stress/trauma.

    Students, faculty, and panelists also discussed on-the-ground strategies to begin to address these disparities among underserved populations, such as:

    • educational pipelines that expose Latino youth to Morehouse School of Medicine STEM curricula and careers
    • higher education partnerships with community organizations to develop internships, fellowships, and post-docs focused on Latino health/well-being
    • grant writing support to community organizations with leadership/staff who speak English as a second language (ESL)
    • cultivating philanthropic relationships that lead to investments in Latino resources

    Natalie Hernandez, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Director, Office of Community Engagement concluded the event by thanking guest and sparking high-energy and enthusiasm for collaborating to achieve change in the community. “We can create optimism, making Georgia and this country great—not by building walls, but by tearing down barriers to opportunity and building pathways,” said Dr. Hernandez.

  • February 2018: InsideOut Luncheon

    Morehouse School of Medicine’s Office of Community Engagement partnered with the Suburban Atlanta Black Ladies League to host The InsideOut Luncheon: How African American Professional Women Lead, Live, and Last!

    100 women gathered over lunch for candid conversations around how to live healthier lives- spiritually, emotionally, and physically-within the context of personal responsibilities and stressors unique to women of color. Dr. Tabia Akintobi and Dr. Natalie Hernandez hosted a panel discussion with guest including:

    • 100 women gathered over lunch for candid conversations around how to live healthier lives.
    • 100 women gathered over lunch for candid conversations around how to live healthier lives.
    • Dr. Tabia Akintobi and Dr. Natalie Hernandez hosted a panel discussion.
    • Dr. Tabia Akintobi and Dr. Natalie Hernandez hosted a panel discussion.