Isabel Torres

Dr. Isabel Torres is an Associate Professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and a Visiting Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine and the Center for Research on Minority Health. Her research addresses ethnic health disparities in palliative cancer care for underserved populations.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in Latin American Studies & Government (1989)
• MPH in Health Services Organization (1995)
• PhD in International and Family Health (2004)

Dr. Torres' research spans Cancer Health Disparities, Palliative Care, Geriatric Health, Medical Mistrust, and International Health, with emphasis on cross-cultural methodologies and vulnerable populations in both U.S. and Latin American contexts. Her work examines structural barriers to quality end-of-life care and decision-making processes among minority communities.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• NCI-funded Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
• National Cancer Institute funded research supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research

Dr. Torres recently completed a multi-ethnic hospice care quality study and leads a 5-year K01 project investigating end-of-life treatment preferences among Latino Medicare beneficiaries with cancer, demonstrating sustained NIH funding for health equity research.