Development of a Sexual Minority Groups (SMG) Research Program

Building a sexual minority health research infrastructure at MCW to advance equitable care and reduce health disparities

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Full Project Name:Development of a Sexual Minority Groups (SMG) Research ProgramPrincipal Investigator:Chandler Cortina, MD, MS, FSSO, FACS, SurgeryCo-Investigator(s):Melinda Stolley, PhD, Medicine
Andrew Petroll, MD, Medicine
Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH, MedicineAward Amount:$1,000,000

Award Date

January2027

Project Duration:36 months

Project Summary:

The number of individuals who identify within sexual minority groups (SMGs), a minority population with health disparities as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is increasing. But minimal data exist within this population to guide healthcare treatment and best-practice guidelines, preventing the mitigation of observed disparities in Wisconsin and nationally. The Froedtert & MCW Inclusion Health Clinic is Wisconsin’s leader in providing SMG care.

This proposal seeks to elevate MCW as a state and national leader in SMG research. The project will:

centralize a group of clinical experts, researchers, and research personnel focused on SMG research;
create a prospective SMG patient registry to facilitate and support clinical research; and
establish a research training pathway for those interested in conducting SMG-focused research.