Resident Connie Shao, M.D., has won a UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) Back of the Envelope award for her project, “Reducing Disparities in Telemedicine Use.”

Both faculty and students are eligible for receiving the award, which allow faculty and trainees the time to explore and develop a hunch, a notion, or an "Ah-ha" moment. Shao was only one of four students selected and one of seven awardees total.

Shao will use her $2,000 award for research expenses to fund her project.

“I am looking forward to investigating interventions to reduce disparities in telemedicine use,” said Shao. “The intersection of health and digital literacy can prevent patients from accessing healthcare who may need it the most. Health systems and providers can come alongside patients to facilitate participation in telemedicine.”

SOPH students and full-time SOPH faculty were invited to apply. Proposals were evaluated for their significance, feasibility, and potential to lead to external funding. Awardees will present their progress and findings during a public seminar in spring 2022.