Edgar Villavicencio, a research specialist at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, was selected as one of 26 aspiring Latino researchers from across the nation to join the 2021 cohort of Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training at UT Health San Antonio.

Dr. Shad Marvasti, an associate professor and director of public health, prevention and population health curriculum at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, discusses the slowing pace of coronavirus vaccinations in the U.S. as President Biden's July 4 goal nears.

Ivo Abraham, a professor at the College of Pharmacy, is concerned that a recent drop in e-cigarette use by teens isn't a trend, but merely a pause in an increasing trend. "Unfortunately we're going to have to wait two years for the next cycle to come out and really see if this is a trend, or do we see an uptick," Abraham said.

Dr. Murtaza Akhter, a clinical assistant professor at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, discusses a lag in vaccinations in parts of the country and concerns of a repeat surge in places that saw one last summer.

The effectiveness of vaccines against the coronavirus stands out as one of the pandemic’s few good news stories for humanity. "We saw there was a natural pathway to immunization we could take advantage of,” said Dr. Deepta Bhattacharya, an immunobiologist at the College of Medicine – Tucson.

Dr. Fernando Martinez, a professor of pediatrics at the College of Medicine – Tucson, explains how children who are vaccinated can help bring life closer to normal. This interview originally aired on KUAZ-FM (NPR) Tucson, AZ.

Health experts say smaller, labor-intensive vaccine events targeting vulnerable communities will need to continue throughout the state in order to make progress. "Where we are now is we already took care of the very vaccine-welcoming part of our population — the folks who really wanted to get vaccinated by and large have probably already had an opportunity to do so. We have to work harder for every shot. That's where we are now," said Elizabeth Jacobs, a professor of epidemiology at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that causes painful lumps and scarring. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains poorly understood — especially in people of color. Dr. Vivian Y. Shi, an assistant professor of medicine and dermatology at the College of Medicine – Tucson, explains that essential early diagnosis and treatment is not always an option for people of color, which may contribute to the increased prevalence of HS among the Black community.

After a bad reaction to the flu vaccine 30 years ago, a cancer patient feared that a bad reaction to the COVID vaccine would add to a host of issues he was already facing. Dr. Ricardo Correa, an endocrinologist at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, answered questions to address the concerns.

Dr. Rachna Shroff, section chief of GI Medical Oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, discusses the progress for cancer treatment, options and outcomes. “I think about where we’ve come from and how much incredible progress we’ve made, and it gives me so much hope. It’s a new era in cancer therapy. We have cracked the code on so many different cancers and we’re making progress in every single one,” Dr. Shroff said.