Vincent L. Freeman

Vincent L. Freeman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health. His work bridges clinical epidemiology, cancer research, and health equity, with a focus on disparities in cancer outcomes among African Americans and underserved populations.

Education:

• BA in Biology, cum laude, University of Chicago (1983)
• MD, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine (1987)
• Residency in General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University (1990)
• MPH in Epidemiology, UIC School of Public Health (1994)

Dr. Freeman's research centers on the biological, social, and healthcare system determinants of cancer prognosis and health inequities. His expertise spans cancer epidemiology, health services research, spatial analysis, and social determinants of health. He has extensively studied prostate and colorectal cancers, examining how factors such as adiposity, diet, socioeconomic status, and access to care influence survival and outcomes.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend in integrating geospatial methods with population health data to assess healthcare access and cancer survival disparities, particularly in urban settings like Cook County, Illinois. His work leverages large datasets such as NHANES and the AMA Physician Masterfile, often employing GIS-based approaches to map and analyze health inequities.

Scientific Awards:

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program
• Veterans Health Administration's Health Services Research & Development Program

Dr. Freeman has secured significant research funding from the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and Department of Defense. He has served as Principal Investigator on projects investigating adiposity and prostate cancer outcomes, survival in African Americans with colorectal cancer, and genetic factors in prostate cancer etiology. He also mentors research through collaborative grants and contributes to training the next generation of public health scientists.

His work is closely tied to population health initiatives, particularly through the Center for Population Health and Health Disparities. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across UIC, Loyola University, and VA medical centers, integrating clinical insights with public health research to address complex chronic conditions and reduce health disparities.