Culture pervades all: Expert presents SAM Talk on how culture influences health of Latinos

David X. Marquez, PhD, an expert in health disparities among Latinos, presented a SAM (Scientists Advancing Medicine) Talk at Regenstrief Institute exploring the role culture plays in health. In the presentation “Health of Latino/a/xs: Culture Pervades All,” Dr. Marquez touched on barriers faced by older Latinos, as well as strategies to engage Latinos in research and physical activity interventions.

Dr. Marquez is a fellow at the Institute for Health Research and Policy and an associate professor of kinesiology and nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He specializes in exercise psychology and behavioral medicine, with a focus on using physical activity interventions to prevent disability and maintain cognitive function and quality of life for older Latino adults. He directs the Exercise Psychology Laboratory, which works to study and reduce health disparities.

Dr. Marquez is one of several national and international experts to present a monthly SAM Talk. The presentations offer an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn from these experts as well as discuss possible collaborations. Improving quality of life for older adults and understanding and filling the needs of underserved populations are significant areas of interest for Regenstrief researchers.

SAM Talks were named for institute founder Sam Regenstrief. He was a successful entrepreneur who ran Design & Manufacturing (D & M) Corporation in Connersville, Indiana. He perfected the performance and manufacture of the automatic home dishwasher. He also firmly believed that everyone should have access to the best healthcare and that healthcare should function more efficiently. Alongside his wife, Myrtie, Sam Regenstrief founded the Regenstrief Institute in 1969 to conduct research on ways to improve the efficiency and equity of health and healthcare. Their generosity and vision have helped many scientists advance the practice of medicine over the last 50 years.

SAM Talks are taking place throughout the Institute’s 50^th anniversary year, which lasts through June 2020, along with other celebrations to mark the achievements of the institute. The presentations will continue in the following years to foster the spirit of collaboration that was so important to Sam.