Mayo Clinic Researcher Wins Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition

LaPrincess Brewer, M.D., M.P.H., an advanced cardiovascular disease fellow within the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at Mayo Clinic, was recently named the Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition Winner by the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) for her oral presentation on a community-based participatory research collaboration

Dr. Brewer presented "Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Among African-Americans by FAITH!: An application of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7®" at the ABC's Annual Cardiologists-in-Training Dinner on March 13 in San Diego.

Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health! (FAITH!) Health and Wellness Program is a multifaceted program that provides health education on key heart disease risk factors, like high blood pressure and obesity, with the goal of preventing heart disease. The program includes components such as culturally tailored educational materials, lectures, discussions, video presentations, fitness classes and healthy cooking demonstrations.

Conducted in partnership with three African-American churches in Rochester, Minnesota, and with support from Mayo Clinic’s Office of Health Disparities Research, the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, the Mayo Clinic Biobank and the Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center, FAITH! explores the benefits of collaborating with faith-based organizations on health promotion. Sharonne Hayes, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and a professor of medicine within the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, is the study principal investigator.

The Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition Award is named for renowned cardiologist and researcher Dr. Jay Brown, whose work included developing new approaches to preventing cardiovascular disease in inner-city areas.