Rena Pasick

Rena Pasick, DrPH, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), affiliated with the School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine. She served as Director of the Office of Community Engagement for the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2002 to 2018, where she led initiatives to reduce cancer disparities through community partnerships and research.

Her educational background includes a DrPH and MPH in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA in Health Care Administration from George Washington University, and a BS in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on cancer disparities, community-based participatory research, health literacy, and culturally appropriate interventions for underserved populations, including African American, Latino, and Chinese American communities.

Dr. Pasick’s research has explored cross-cultural communication in colorectal cancer screening, behavioral theory in diverse populations, and the use of lay health workers and digital tools to improve cancer screening adherence. She has led multiple NCI- and Susan G. Komen-funded studies, including those on genetic counseling for low-income women and prostate cancer education in African American churches. Her recent publications emphasize multilevel interventions, social media for health promotion, and remote genetic counseling, reflecting a consistent focus on equity, implementation, and community engagement.

She has received numerous honors, including:

• 75 Most Influential Graduates, UC Berkeley School of Public Health (2018)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Diversity, UCSF Faculty Award (2014)
• Woman of the Year, Women Health Care Executives (2014)
• National Scholar, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (2010–2018)
• Robert F. Allen Symbol of Hope Award (2009)
• Program Excellence Award, Society of Public Health Education (2004)

Dr. Pasick is widely recognized for founding the Minority Training Program in Cancer Control Research (MTPCCR), which has trained over 700 individuals and significantly increased diversity in cancer research. She has mentored numerous junior faculty and professionals, and her work continues to influence policy and practice in cancer control. Her research includes grants focused on second opinions in breast cancer care, genetic counseling models, and faith-based health initiatives.

She has been instrumental in building research capacity in African American churches and developing interventions for Latino and Chinese American populations. Her leadership in community engagement and training has established her as a national leader in reducing cancer disparities through culturally grounded, participatory science.