The Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine at UNM is dedicated to improving public health through innovative research, education, and service. We conduct research in collaboration with local, national, and international partners aiming to have a positive impact on the lives of people in New Mexico, the United States, and abroad.
Our faculty mentor students across various programs, including public health, clinical research, and preventive medicine residency. We also provide leadership in occupational and environmental health through the UNM Center for Occupational and Environmental Health Promotion. The Page Research Group works with diverse populations to improve health outcomes related to substance use behaviors and treatment, harm reduction, homelessness, diabetes, HIV, and pain management. Many of our faculty conduct research within the UNM Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated cancer center in the state of New Mexico.
KRQE NEWS 13 interviewed Dr. Shuguang Leng on a study that established a link between exposure to wildfire-related smoke and depression. See the link below
The KDPI score had been used to evaluate the quality of a deceased donor kidney for kidney allocation in the US, with (Black) donor race being an indicator of lower quality (shorter kidney function post-transplant). In October 2024, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) of DHHS implemented a policy change removing race from the KDPI. Work at UNM HSC by researchers at DOIM nephology and EBPM divisions provided the primary scientific support for this policy change and is cited in the HRSA report. The UNMHSC research found that Black donor race is at the best a convenient proxy of clinical conditions which explain the quality of a kidney donor and should be used instead. The research team currently conduct further work to communicate risks and benefits of deceased kidney transplants to aid clinical decision making.
Submitted by Yiliang Zhu
