The Chief Research Officer, has determined that UTMB research should be prioritized into six health communities. This researcher has received the following badge(s):

Dr. Vaughan, DO, MPH, RD, is a Professor of Internal Medicine and a physician-scientist focused on improving healthcare access for low-income individuals with type 2 diabetes. Her research empowers Community Health Workers (CHWs) to lead educational programs and improve patient-health system communication. She serves as PI on federally funded studies and is CEO and co-founder of Mi Promotor de Salud (https://mipromotordesalud.org), a nonprofit organization that equips CHWs to deliver community-based health programs. Dr. Vaughan’s career spans more than 30 years and began as a Registered Dietitian engaged in global public health efforts across Latin America, Africa, and India. These experiences shaped her long-standing commitment to health equity, particularly within Hispanic communities. In addition to her research and service, she remains an active clinical educator on the internal medicine teaching service. Dr. Vaughan has received multiple honors, including membership in the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers, the Academy of Distinguished Educators, and the Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award in Educational Research. She has also served on the Texas CHW Advisory Committee and has been a certified CHW Instructor since 2015. Her work has gained the attention of major media outlets, including The New York Times, National Geographic, Univision, and Reuters.