Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen

Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen is a Professor and Center Associate Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she works within the Institute for Health and Humanity's Community Health Division. She is also a member of both the Cancer Center and the Institute for Health & Humanity at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her academic career spans multiple decades with a consistent focus on health disparities research, particularly among Hispanic/Latino populations.

Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen's research interests encompass a wide range of topics related to health equity, including acculturation, obesity, bariatric surgery outcomes, body image, community-based participatory research, cultural diversity in health, and health status disparities among various ethnic groups including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Her work frequently examines how cultural factors influence health behaviors and outcomes in minority populations.

Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on Latino health, with numerous studies examining metabolic health, obesity, and cultural variables in Hispanic communities. Recent work has investigated neighborhood segregation effects on metabolic syndrome, preferences for health interventions among Latino men, and cultural factors underlying obesity. Her research often involves large-scale epidemiological studies, particularly through the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Dr. Sanchez-Johnsen has demonstrated commitment to community engagement through her work with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and her focus on community-based participatory research approaches. She has expressed willingness to collaborate on research projects, serve as a peer mentor, and mentor junior faculty members, indicating her commitment to academic mentorship and collaboration.