Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

DeSalvo, Karen

Institution: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Grant Title: Determining the Merit of Self-Rated Health for Risk Prediction
Grant Number:  K08 HS015701
Duration: 3 years (2006-2009)
Total Award: $358,600

Project Description: This project has three aims:

1. Directly compare the performance of general self-rated health (GSRH), assessed at a single time point to other commonly used risk prediction tools for the prediction of health utilization and expenditures.
2. Assess the ability of changes in GSRH to predict future health resource needs.
3. Develop quantitative models that describe influences to changes in GSRH responses.

Career Goals: Dr. DeSalvo is Chief, General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at the Tulane University School of Medicine; Co-Director, Center for Health Equality Research, Tulane School of public Health and Tropical Medicine; Executive Director, Tulane University Community Health Center at Covenant House; and Special Assistant to the University President for Public Medical Services, Tulane University.  She received her M.D. from Tulane School of Medicine and her M.P.H. from the Tulane School of Public Health.  After her residency in General Medicine, Dr. DeSalvo went on to earn her M.Sc. in Clinical Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.  Her long-term goal is to develop an independent career as an applied health services researcher with a focus on improving health outcomes for disadvantaged populations with chronic disease.

Progress to Date: Analyses for Aim #1 have been completed as have the literature searches for Aims #2 and 3.  Dr. DeSalvo has been involved extensively in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

Future Plans: Dr. DeSalvo will complete the assembly of data sets and data analyses for Aims #2 and 3 and begin preparing manuscripts.  She plans on submitting an R01 application.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ) Generalist Faculty Scholar Award, 2002.
• Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) Research mentorship Award, 2003.
• Top Internist, New Orleans Magazine, 2003.
• Women of the Year, City Business, 2006.

K-Generated Publications:

Sanne S, Munter P, Kawaski L, DeSalvo K, et al. Hypertension knowledge among patients from an urban clinic. Ethnicity and Disease 2008. 18:42-7.

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