Community Advisory Board (CAB)

The Division of Clinical Research (DCR) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine has recruited the expertise, feedback, and accountability from a diverse group of former and current patients/research participants to form a Community Advisory Board (CAB).

We do this through

• Feedback, developing community and academic partnerships.
• Implementation, providing advice on best practices and disseminating research findings back to our community.
• Collaboration, through CAB input on organizational protocols, and aligning research strategies with community priorities.
• Results, building bridges of trust and relationship between academics and our community.

Mission

To serve as the hub for departmental clinical and translational research:

• Coordinate efficient clinical research;
• Provide shared infrastructure;
• Enhance clinical research training & education;
• Foster cross-collaboration

Purpose

The CAB is a resource for connecting and relaying information between communities and researchers. The CAB shares community information and assistance to research projects or initiative teams. Their advice can be used to improve and promote communication and provide ideas for quality improvement. The CAB is an opportunity to build bridges of trust and possibilities of collaboration between academics and communities.

• Gives authentic decision-making to those most impacted and elevates the voice of those with the lived experience.
• Connects and deeps resources in communities without duplicating or competing for efforts and/or ideas.
• Builds and leverages networks to create momentum between community and academia.
• Ensures projects and services are up to par standard for quality.

Primary Responsibilities

• Agree to participate in an ongoing collaborative relationship with members of our local community.
• Advise and provide strategic oversight to services and research projects.
• Support the development of research projects as needed.
• Provide regular updates, expertise, and accountability from a diverse group of former and current patients to researchers and clinicians seeking feedback.

Our CAB represents the following Clinical Divisions

• Family Planning
• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• General OB/GYN
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound
• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
• Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Gynecology
• Fertility & Reproductive Medicine
• Transgender Center

Our Commitment

• We commit to creating a safe and inclusive space.
• Provide training necessary to be an effective CAB.
• Engage with the feedback provided in the planning and design of research and clinical practices.
• Maintain clear and transparent communication.