prof. Sara Willems (PhD)

Our research focuses on equity in health care, with an emphasis on ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or social status, has access to high-quality health care. We aim to address social inequities by exploring how health care access, processes, and outcomes can be improved for vulnerable populations. Our work is critical not just for researchers in public health, but also for policymakers, health professionals, and society at large, as we tackle issues like discrimination, social vulnerability, and patient safety. By advocating for health as a human right and promoting community-oriented primary care, our research contributes to building fairer, more inclusive health systems.
In multidisciplinary cancer research, our work contributes by examining disparities in access to cancer screening and preventive care across different social groups. For example, our ESSAG trial focuses on reaching women who are under-screened for cervical cancer. This research helps in identifying and addressing barriers to cancer care, ensuring that prevention and treatment strategies are accessible to all, regardless of their social circumstances.
 

• Prof. Sorana Toma (PhD) – assistant professor 
• dr. Kaatje Van Roy (PhD) – post-doctoral fellow
• Sarah Derveeuw – doctoral fellow
• Eva Gezels – doctoral fellow
• Ilka Jacobs – doctoral fellow
• Dorien Vanden Bossche – doctoral fellow
• Kenji Leta – doctoral fellow
• Babette Demeester – doctoral fellow
   

• Lab address: Department of Public Health and Primary Care – Ghent University - Campus University Hospital – entrance 42 – C Heymanslaan 10 – 9000 Gent 
• Google Scholar
• CESSMIR 
• Equity Research Group 
• Prof. Sara Willems is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks