Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Michelle Burroughs

Michelle C. Burroughs, MPH (she/her/hers) is a founding member of the CFCCC Community Equity Board (CEB). Read on to learn more about her story. 

1. What are your career/research interests?

My research and career interests revolve around advancing health equity among marginalized communities, particularly focusing on addressing health disparities within the African American, Black, and Caribbean ABC Communities. Additionally, I am dedicated to improving the continuity of care for the unsheltered community. Through my work, I aim to conduct research that identifies and addresses the systemic barriers to health faced by these populations, ultimately striving for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. 

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

My early life experiences, particularly growing up with a brother who faced intellectual and physical challenges, profoundly influenced my education and career trajectory. Witnessing the struggles of navigating the healthcare system to ensure my brother received quality care highlighted the disparities within our family in terms of healthcare access and outcomes. These experiences sparked my passion for addressing healthcare disparities and motivated me to pursue a career in public health.

3. What brought you to UCI?

I was brought to UCI by an invitation from Sora Park Tanjasiri, DrPH, MPH, to become one of the founding members of the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center's (UCI CFCCC) Community Equity Board in 2019. Drawing on my extensive knowledge and experience in addressing cancer and other health-related needs within communities, I have served as a dedicated board member since then. The invitation was extended to enhance community input and engagement with the UCI CFCCC's research activities and programs, particularly focusing on identifying and addressing the unique cancer needs of our local populations. As part of the Community Equity Board, my role involves informing the center's community outreach and engagement plans, providing community perspectives on research programs, and advising on broader community and policy initiatives aimed at promoting timely prevention and treatment strategies.

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

In my role as a public health practitioner, fostering connections and cultivating a sense of community and belonging have been integral to my career. I prioritize building relationships and earning trust within the communities I serve, leveraging their strengths and aligning them with common goals. I consider myself a master connector, adept at bringing individuals together to collaborate and create positive change. This approach not only strengthens my professional network but also enhances my sense of community and belonging in the workplace.

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

Contributing to the CFCCC’s mission is profoundly meaningful to me as it aligns with my core values of championing health equity and effecting positive change in diverse, underserved communities. The opportunity to serve my local community through the CFCCC allows me to actively participate in discovering new insights into cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, ultimately aiming to eliminate cancer health disparities. Furthermore, being part of a mission that emphasizes teaching and disseminating state-of-the-art cancer knowledge, as well as delivering high-quality multidisciplinary clinical care to cancer patients, resonates deeply with my commitment to making a difference in people's lives. This alignment of purpose drives my motivation to contribute wholeheartedly to the CFCCC’s transformative goals. 

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey? 

In my professional journey, one of the significant challenges I've encountered revolves around conveying the importance of engaging the community in medical research. Despite its critical role in ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of research outcomes, there can be a lack of awareness or appreciation for community involvement among stakeholders. Overcoming this challenge requires continuous advocacy and education to emphasize the value of community engagement in shaping research priorities, methodologies, and outcomes. It's about fostering a collaborative approach that recognizes the expertise and perspectives of all stakeholders, ultimately leading to more impactful and equitable research outcomes. 

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

One of my most cherished personal and professional accomplishments is receiving UCR's 2023 Outstanding Staff Diversity Award and UCR’s 2022 School of Medicine’s Inaugural Staff Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. These recognitions not only reflect my commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion but also highlight the collective efforts of the committee I participated in. I take great pride in our collaborative work, which ultimately led to UCR being awarded the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in January 2024. These achievements serve as a testament to the impact of dedicated teamwork and a shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and community engagement within our institution. 

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

Traveling is a passion of mine, as it allows me to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes while creating lasting memories with my loved ones. I also cherish spending quality time with my daughter, especially attending Broadway and off-Broadway theatre performances. I love immersing myself in the world of live theatre and appreciating the artistry and storytelling that unfolds on stage.

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

A fun fact about me is that my daughter and I share the same birthdate! It's a unique bond that we treasure, and it adds an extra layer of joy and celebration to our special day each year.

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