Sarah Gollust’s research focuses on how scientific evidence is translated to the public, and how that process can shape public opinion, health policy, and patient decision making.

She has applied her work to public health issues such as vaccines, mammograms, health disparities, and the Affordable Care Act. Her research also “yields insight into how communication to the public and policymakers can be more effective.”

Sarah Gollust, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota.

3:26 – On some of the changes we’ve seen in health communication over the past decade

5:57 – Two ways the media can affect health-related outcomes or decisions

11:25 – On how the news media has covered recommendations on mammograms

“We’re trying to better understand how references to competing messaging in the news media environment might affect downstream women’s health attitudes and beliefs and ultimately behaviors.”

16:17 – How women’s attitudes about mammograms were affected by the news media

25:00 – How can scientists better engage with the media and the public?

30:40 – Challenges that journalists face in todays environment, and how scientists can help

34:37 – Helpful advice on how scientists can get better at disseminating their work and translating it to the public and scientific community

38:10 – How ACS funding impacted her research and allowed her to mentor younger scientists

40:05 – A message she’d like to share with cancer patients and caregivers