M. Barton Laws

M. Barton Laws is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice at Brown University's School of Public Health. His research focuses on patient-provider communication dynamics, particularly in HIV care, and the sociological aspects of chronic illness management. He holds a PhD from Brandeis University (1997) and has extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Key research areas include the Generalized Medical Interaction Analysis System (GMIAS), which evaluates clinical communication, and the Comprehensive Assessment of Clinical Encounters System (CASES). He has led/co-investigated numerous NIH-funded studies, including interventions to improve motivational interviewing skills in HIV providers and analyses of adherence-related dialogue in healthcare settings.

Laws has collaborated with institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the CDC, publishing over 40 peer-reviewed articles. His work bridges communication theory and clinical practice, emphasizing patient-centered care and reducing health disparities. Teaching responsibilities include public health design and intervention evaluation courses.

Current projects explore explanatory models of illness among HIV patients and the impact of near-highway pollution on cardiovascular health through community participatory research. He maintains affiliations with the Academy of Communication in Healthcare and Academy Health.