Cara Stephenson-Hunter, PhD

Cara Stephenson-Hunter's research agenda is centered on enhancing access to and utilization of evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention methods, particularly within underserved communities where there are notable disparities in diabetes-related health outcomes. These disparities persist despite the availability and efficacy of preventive measures such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and metformin for prediabetes. Since Stephenson-Hunter obtained her PhD in Health Psychology in 2018, from Walden University, she has held the position of Instructor and subsequently in 2020, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Social Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In 2022, she was awarded an institutional mentored training grant (K12) from the National Association of Clinical and Translational Science. Her K12 study delved into the patient and health system factors influencing referrals to the Montefiore DPP. Specifically, Stephenson-Hunter's focus was on identifying the health system variables contributing to the glaring disparities in access to and utilization of the DPP, particularly among Black and Latino men, who are notably underrepresented in national DPP initiatives. Drawing from her background in health psychology and her personal experiences of growing up in and working in the Bronx, NY, she is deeply committed to addressing the underlying causes of health disparities and developing interventions that promote health equity.