Elizabeth A. Walker

Elizabeth A. Walker, Ph.D., is a Professor Emerita at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, holding dual appointments in the Department of Medicine (Endocrinology) and the Department of Epidemiology & Population Health (Health Behavior Research & Implementation Science). Her research focuses on evidence-based behavioral interventions to improve diabetes self-management, medication adherence, and risk perception in diabetes. She has led studies on global healthcare challenges and diabetes prevention in disadvantaged populations.

Her work integrates public health strategies with clinical research, emphasizing culturally competent approaches for urban minorities and underserved communities. Notable projects include the NYC Care Calls telephonic intervention, the Bronx A1C Study, and adaptations of the National Diabetes Prevention Program for men in disadvantaged neighborhoods. She has also collaborated on the Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes (GRADE) study and the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) long-term follow-up.

Dr. Walker’s research spans diabetes-related quality of life, medication adherence barriers, and the psychosocial dimensions of chronic disease management. Her studies often involve community-academic partnerships to address health disparities and implement scalable interventions. Key themes include multigenerational diabetes legacies, risk perception’s role in self-care, and the impact of neighborhood environments on health outcomes.

Her contributions include textbook authorship (e.g., The Art and Science of Diabetes Self-Management Education) and development of validated measurement tools for dietary assessment and diabetes-related distress. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record and program leadership reflect significant academic and clinical impact.

In advising, she has mentored researchers in behavioral health, epidemiology, and implementation science. Her work emphasizes translational research bridging clinical practice and population health, with a focus on sustainable interventions in resource-limited settings.