Featured Researcher: Wen Liu

Wen Liu
1st Place Poster Presentation, 2017 Emory Health Services Research Day

What is your professional background?
I am currently pursuing an MD/MPH (epidemiology) at Emory University and will apply to urology residency programs this fall. Before starting medical school, I worked as a Global Academic Fellow in Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi. I received my BA in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
My mentor is Dr. Christopher Filson in the Emory University Department of Urology.

Briefly describe your research. Why it is important?
My research interests lie within health services in urologic oncology, specifically with respect to use of MRI-guided biopsies in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes, as well as the effect of state-level Medicaid expansion on access to and disparities in prostate cancer care. Prostate cancer is the only solid organ tumor not traditionally diagnosed with targeted biopsy, and recent reports have found increased cancer detection using MRI-guided prostate biopsies compared to transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. Understanding utilization patterns of this newly developed MRI approach is important for identifying potentially disparate care and effects on cancer outcomes and health policy/economics. Additionally, assessing health policy decisions on access to cancer care is critical, especially in more vulnerable populations that may be disproportionately affected.

What do you like most about Emory?
I am impressed by the accessibility of the faculty and the level of mentorship I have received, which has greatly impacted my personal and professional development.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I am eagerly awaiting the return of Game of Thrones and Stranger Things!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love traveling, running, playing with my dog (Teddy), cooking, and hanging out with friends.

Related Links

• Nominate a Featured Researcher
• Emory Department of Medicine Research Newsletter (“What’s Up”)
• Emory Department of Medicine – Office of Research
• Emory University Department of Medicine
• Emory University Division of Cardiology

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