Case Comprehensive Cancer Center welcomes Monica Webb Hooper, PhD as Director of the new Office of Cancer Disparities Research. She is also Professor of General Medical Sciences (Oncology), Family Medicine, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Webb Hooper is a nationally recognized clinical health psychologist who has made important contributions to nicotine and tobacco research, and is a leader in the field of tobacco-associated health disparities. Dr. Webb Hooper undertakes novel, theory-based, approaches to understanding methods to enhance treatment outcomes, with specific foci on modifiable mechanisms of change. Her research, which focuses on addressing racial/ethnic disparities in tobacco use, has been funded continuously since 2006 by the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and the Florida Department of Health James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program. She joins Case Comprehensive Cancer Center from the University of Miami, where she also served a leadership role in the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and as a tenured faculty member in the Department of Psychology.
“I am thrilled to continue my career at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and to establish the Office of Cancer Disparities Research,” Webb Hooper said. “Underserved and racial/ethnic minority populations suffer a pervasive and disproportionate burden from several cancers. The vision of the Office of Cancer Disparities Research includes developing a sustainable infrastructure to increase scientific efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate cancer disparities. Collaborative, translational investigations combined with high community engagement can move the dial toward health equity. I am looking forward to our collective efforts to have an impact in our catchment area and beyond.” Webb Hooper also plans to bring her evidence-based smoking cessation and weight management clinics to the Cancer Center, which will serve the hospital systems and larger community.
Dr. Webb Hooper received her BS in Psychology from the University of Miami, and her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida. She completed her clinical internship at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center and served on the faculty at Syracuse University prior to her position at the University of Miami.