Peer-reviewed Manuscripts
(in-press and/or submitted)
Nagarkar, T. and Ward, M.C. Bridging Opportunity Gaps: A Literature Review to Guide Mentorship Strategies for Students Underrepresented in Medicine. Manuscript submitted.
Ward, M.C., Mallinson, T., Cobbs, C., and Ganjoo, R. (2025). Initial validity evidence for the Student Health Equity Survey: Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and capacity across health professions programs. MedEdPublish; 15:246 https://doi.org/10.12688/mep.21128.1
Ward, M.C., Xavier, J., Wentzell, E., Clark, S., Pajoohesh-Ganji, A. Activating the diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) values of medical students for a career as a physician educator. Manuscript submitted.
Bowden, L. and Ward, M.C. Policy gaps and recommendations for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) screening for the prevention of HIV transmission in the United States. Manuscript submitted.
(published)
Xavier, J., Ward, M.C., McDonald, P., Kalita, N., Corr, P.G. (2024). Identifying the factors influencing culturally responsive HIV and PrEP screening for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender-minoritized patients: A scoping review. Harvard Public Health Review (HPHR) Journal; 89. https://doi.org/10.54111/0001/KKKK6
Kalita, N., Corr, P., Ward, M.C., Xavier, J., & McDonald, P. (2023). Identifying the barriers and facilitators to culturally responsive COVID-19 Vaccine screening for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients: A scoping review protocol. PLOS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0290514 [0.1 research interest score | 3.752 journal impact factor]
Xavier, J., Ward, M.C., Corr, P., Kalita, N., & McDonald, P. (2023). Identifying the barriers and facilitators to culturally responsive HIV and PrEP screening for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients: A scoping review protocol. PLOS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0281173 [1.4 research interest score | 4 citations | 3.752 journal impact factor]
Chapters in Books
Ward, M.C., Razvi, A., Khugaeva, S., Mandewo, A., and Truong, K. (2025). How to be an effective ally and advocate: Anti-racism in Healthcare. Book chapter in press.
Ward, M.C., Moore, B., & Barickman, A. (2023). Approaches to applying an intersectional lens to Black women’s reproductive and sexual health. In R. D. Moss (Ed.), Black women’s reproductive health and sexuality: A holistic public health approach. APHA Press. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/book/10.2105/9780875533414 [Outstanding Academic Title (OAT) recognition from Choice Reviews -- the journal of the publishing unit of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (only ~ 3% of the total books made the 2024 OAT list)]
Ward, M.C., Corr, P. G., Fernes, V.A., & Wang, T. (2022). How an anti-racist organizational change model can build capacity to support historically excluded students: A guide for advisors and administrators of pathway programs. In R. Ganjoo & L. Schwartz (Ed.), Handbook of research on developing competencies for pre-health professional students, advisors, and programs (pp. 389–414). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5969-0.ch019
Abstracts
Ward, M.C., Corr, P., Xavier, J., Konopasky, A., McDonald, P., Kalita, N., Singh, S., Pitts, K., Lewis-Ragland, Y. (2023). Twin pandemics: Advocating for a culturally sensitive clinical response to HIV + COVID impact on U.S. racial, ethnic, sexual and gender minoritized patients. Xavier University of Louisiana Health Disparities Conference. Video abstract available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TElolYzp6Q [24 views]
McDonald, P., Ward, M.C., Corr, P.G., Konopasky, A., Kalita, N., Xavier, J., Singh, S., & LeLacheur, S. (2023). Supporting physician assistants with culturally responsive HIV and COVID screening. E-Poster published in the Association of American Physician Assistants (AAPA) Digital Research Conference.
Ward, M.C., Xavier, J., Corr, P., McDonald, P., & Konopasky, A. (2023). From knowledge, skills and attitudes to values, identification, and communication: A proposed revision to the Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence (TACCT). Abstract on equity in medical education accepted for the AMA’s externally commissioned book compendium. MedEd’s horizon: Just, merciful, diverse and equitable. AMA Press.
Ward, M.C., Xavier, J., & Essel, K. (2023). Community voices in medical education: Building anti-racist capacity in future physicians. Abstract on equity in medical education accepted for the AMA’s externally commissioned book compendium. MedEd’s horizon: Just, merciful, diverse and equitable. AMA Press.
Blogs/Op-eds
Nagarkar, T. and Ward, M.C. (2026, Jan 17). What is the ‘Minority Tax’ in Medicine? KevinMD. Opinion available at https://kevinmd.com/2026/01/what-is-the-minority-tax-in-medicine.html
Bowden, L. and Ward, M.C. (2025, Nov 30). Ending HIV Stigma: PrEP screening for all. BlackDoctor.Org. Opinion available at https://share.google/ULasZ76D8RprXqr4q
Local Presentations
Murphy, G. and Ward, M.C. (2025, Apr). Advancing diversity and inclusion in cancer clinical trials: Strategies and recommendations. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at GW Milken School of Public Health Research Day. Washington, DC.
Mandewo, A., Khugaeva, S., Razvi, A., and Ward, M.C. (2025, Apr). Storytelling as a catalyst: Teaching cases bridging antiracism theory and clinical practice. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at GW Milken School of Public Health Research Day. Washington, DC.
Khugaeva, S., Razvi, A., Will, M., Mandewo, A., Ramaiya, S., Murillo-Parra, C., and Ward, M.C. (2025, Apr). Antiracism in medical education: Utilizing an integrated framework for tailored trainings. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at GW Milken School of Public Health Research Day. Washington, DC.
Rahimi, S., Cobbs, C., IV., Ganjoo, R., Ward, M. C. (2025, Apr). Measuring health equity knowledge among MD students in a clinical public health track. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at GW Milken School of Public Health Research Day. Washington, DC.
Ward, M.C., Kalita, N., Konopasky, A. (2024, June). HIV in the COVID-era: PCP capacity building. Abstract accepted for an oral presentation. HealthHIV Synchronicity Conference. Arlington, VA.
Ward, M.C., Cobbs, C., Moore, B., & Xavier, J. (2024, Feb). Activating DEIJ & antiracism values: How GW students engage in research activism. Abstract accepted for an oral workshop at the GW Diversity Summit. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Xavier, J., & Ward, M.C. (2023, May). Community-centered learning: Themes from a pilot structural racism course for medical students. GW Medical Student Poster Day. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Kalita, N., Ward, M.C., & Konopasky, A. (2023, May). Examining perceptions of screening for HIV, PrEP & COVID vaccinations for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities in clinical settings. Poster presented by student research assistant at the GW Milken School of Public Health Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Chimeka-Tisdale, H., Will, M., & Ward, M.C. (2023, May). How an antiracist demonstration project can inform a program training. Poster presented by student research assistant at the GW Milken School of Public Health Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Hoey, L., Corr, P., Konopasky, A., & Ward, M.C. (2023, May). Dual pandemics: Impacting policy change for COVID-19 vaccine, HIV and PrEP/PEP Screening. Poster presented by student research assistant at the GW Milken School of Public Health Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Ward, M.C., & Kalita, N. (2023, Mar). Importance of culturally-tailored messaging in clinical settings. Abstract accepted for workshop at the GW Diversity Summit. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Xavier, J., & Ward, M.C. (2022, April). Analyzing the impact of anti-racist curricula on knowledge and attitudes in health professions students. Poster presented by student research assistant at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences Medical Student Research Day. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Kalita, N., Moore, B., & Ward, M.C. (2022, April). Training the health workforce on community based participatory research. Poster presented by student research assistant at the virtual GW Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Moore, B, Kalita, N., & Ward, M.C. (2022, April). Training the health workforce on applying a health equity lens to research. Poster presented by student research assistant at the virtual GW Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Fernes, V., Wang, T., & Ward, M.C. (2021, April). A model for anti-racist transformation: How academic medical centers can advance racial equity. Poster presented by student research assistant at the virtual GW Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
Yoho, H., Ward, M.C., & Ganjoo, R. (2021, April). Assessing the health equity knowledge, attitude, and capacity of students in the health professions: A baseline survey. Poster presented by student research assistant at the virtual GW Research Showcase. The George Washington University. Washington, D.C.
National Presentations
Ward, M.C., Blamon, M., Boakye, D., Falusi, O. (2025, Nov). Strengthening Accountability in Clinical Teams: A Novel Two-Part Anti Racist Training Model to Disrupt Racism. Abstract accepted for a poster presentation at the Dr. Bill Jenkins Brunch hosted by the Society for the Analysis of African American Public Health Issues. Washington, DC.
Ward, M.C., Ramini, S., Cobbs, C., and Ganjoo, R. (2025, Nov). Measuring health equity knowledge among MD students in a clinical public health track. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.
Khugaeva, S., Razvi, A., Will, M., Mandewo, A., Ramaiya, S., Murillo-Parra, C., & Ward, M.C. (2025, Nov). Antiracism in medical education: utilizing an integrated framework for tailored trainings. Abstract accepted for an oral presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Murphy, G. and Ward, M.C. (2025, Nov). Advancing diversity and inclusion in cancer clinical trials: Strategies and recommendations. Abstract accepted for an oral presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.
Murphy, G. and Ward, M.C. (2025, Nov). Advancing diversity and inclusion in cancer clinical trials: Barriers and necessity. Abstract accepted for an oral presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Washington, DC.
Ganjoo, R., Rahimi, S., Cobbs, C. IV, & Ward, M. C. (2025, Oct). Advancing equity competencies in medical education to bridge theory and practice in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Abstract accepted as a roundtable presentation at The Generalists in Medical Education Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Ganjoo, R., Cobbs, C. & Ward, M.C. (2024, Oct). Health equity competency: A study of future health professions students. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) Conference. Atlanta, GA
Will, M., Chimeka-Tisdale, H., Murillo-Parra, C., Ramaiya, S., and Ward. M.C. (2024, Oct). Tailored program training: Findings from an antiracist demonstration project. Abstract accepted for emerging scholars digital poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Virtual.
Khugaeva, S., Razvi, A., Mandewo, A., and Ward, M.C. (2024, Oct). Tailoring antiracism training for health professions training programs. Abstract accepted for emerging scholars digital poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Virtual.
Ward, M.C., Kalita, N., Matheswaran, S., and Xavier, J. (2024, Oct). A national training model to build the structural competencies of primary care practitioners to eliminate HIV and COVID-19 vaccine stigma. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Ward, M.C., Cobbs, C., and Ganjoo, R. (2024, Oct). Evaluating the health equity knowledge and capacity of health professions students. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Xavier, J., Ward, M.C., McDonald, P., Kalita, N., and Corr, P.G. (2024, Oct). Identifying the factors influencing culturally responsive HIV and PrEP screening for racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients: A scoping review. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Matheswaran S., Kalita, N., Kurukunda, M., Chokshi, H., and Ward, M.C. (2024, Oct). Developing training modules for PCPs to address systemic inequities in HIV and COVID-19 vaccine and screening practices. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Ward, M.C., Tennant, D., Katahira, E., Boyd, R, and Falusi, O. (2024, Oct). Disrupting racism: A novel two-part antiracist training model. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Ward, M.C., Moore, B., and Barickman, A. (2024, Oct). Unpacking intersectionality: Advancing reproductive and sexual health research for Black women. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA). Minneapolis, MN.
Ward, M.C., & Xavier, J. (2024, April). Community voices in medical education: Building anti-racist capacity in future physicians. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Social Mission Alliance Conference. Durham, NC. Ward, M.C., Kalita, N., & Konopasky, A. (2024, March). In their own words: Patients reclaim power to seek out HIV and COVID care. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Society of Public Health Education (SOPHE) Annual Meeting. Saint Louis, MO.
Ward, M.C., Matheswaran, S., Kalita, N., Xavier, J., & Singh, S. (2023, Nov). How to design a PCP training to routinize PrEP. Abstract accepted as an oral roundtable presentation at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA.
Kalita, N., Ward, M.C., & Konopasky, A. (2023, Nov). Primary care practitioner and historically marginalized patients’ perceptions regarding screening for HIV, PrEP and COVID vaccinations. Abstract accepted for a poster presentation. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA.
Chimeka-Tisdale, H., Will, M., & Ward, M.C. (2023, Nov). Tailored program training: Findings from an antiracism demonstration project. Abstract accepted for a poster presentation. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA.
Ward, M.C., Corr, P., Fernes, V., & Wang, T. (2023, Nov). How an antiracist organizational change model can translate into long-term capacity building for public health practitioners: Applying theory to practice. Abstract accepted for a poster presentation. American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA.
Ward, M.C., Ganjoo, R., Cobbs, C., & Mallison, T. (2023, Sept). Developing a Scale to Standardize Health Equity Competencies Among Health Professions Students. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Medical Association’s (AMA) ChangeMedEd Conference. Chicago, Il.
McDonald, P., Ward, M.C., Corr, P., Kalita, N., Xavier, J., Konopasky, A., & LeLacheur, S. (2023, June). Supporting physician assistants with culturally responsive HIV and COVID screening. American Academy of Physician Assistants. Abstract selected for an eposter presentation. Virtual.
Ward, M.C., Corr, P., Xavier, J., Konopasky, A., McDonald, P., Kalita, N., Singh, S., Lewis-Ragland, Y, & Pitts, K. (2023, Feb). Twin pandemics: Advocating for a culturally sensitive clinical response to HIV and COVID impact on U.S. racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at Xavier University of Louisiana Health Disparities Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Ward, M.C., Corr, P., & Xavier, J. (2022, Nov). Supporting RNs and NPs with culturally responsive HIV and COVID screening. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Annual Diversity Symposium. Virtual.
Wang, T., Ward, M.C., & Fernes, V. (2021, Oct). An introduction to a new model for organizational change towards racial equity. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the virtual American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting.
Ward, M.C., Yoho, H., & Milando, R. (2021, Oct). Student-led research and practice: A model for organizing antiracist institutional aims. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the virtual American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting.
Milando, R., & Ward, M.C. (2021, Sept). Creating community-centered modules on structural racism for health professional students. Poster accepted for the American Medical Association AMA) ChangeMedEd Virtual Conference.
Shara, S., & Ward, M.C. (2021, Sept). Health and racial equity toolkit for clinical investigators. Poster accepted for the American Medical Association AMA) ChangeMedEd Virtual Conference.
Ward, M.C., Ganjoo, R., Thoma, K., & Yoho, H. (2021, June). Standardizing health equity competencies across health professions training programs. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Virtual Health Equity Summit.
Ganjoo, R., Ward, M.C., Yoho, H. & Thoma, K. (2021, June). Assessing health equity knowledge and capacity of health professional students: A Validation Study. American Association of Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators. Virtual dissemination.