Webinar Equity and Access in Healthcare
Healthcare without barriers: Fair access for every patient.

Chief Executive Officer, UI Health Mile Square Health Center Dr. Karriem S. Watson, DHSc, MS, MPH is the Chief Executive Officer for UI Health Mile Square Health Center. As part of the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System, Mile Square Health Center includes Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout south and west Chicago, Cicero and Rockford communities, with a mission to provide holistic, quality health services amid an underserved, urban community. The system includes primary care, behavioral health, dental services, as well as school-based health centers. Prior to joining the Mile Square, Dr. Watson was the Chief Engagement Officer for the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) All of Us Research Program, where he led the All of Us Research Program’s efforts to foster relationships with participants, communities, researchers and providers across the United States and territories through equitable engagement to build one of the largest, most diverse health datasets to advance precision medicine research. Dr. Watson has spent over 15 years conducting cancer disparities research. He completed his post-doctoral training in cancer center leadership under Dr. Robert A. Winn at the University of Illinois Cancer Center and went on to become an independent funded researcher with funding from the NIH’s NCI, NIMHD and NHLBI, along with industry and foundational sponsors. Dr. Watson’s work spans across community engaged research, community based participatory research (CBPR), and implementation and dissemination science, and global health. Dr. Watson’s work has examined cancer prevention and control interventions in Cuba, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Israel. He has also studied the impact of community health workers (CHWs) in rural Haiti and faith based settings in the US. His work with Citizen Scientists has engaged barbers, faith-based leaders, fraternity members and other civic and community leaders to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials. Dr. Watson is also committed to engaging the next generation of clinical research scholars and public health leaders. He is a Research Associate Professor at the UIC School of Public Health and has served on the board of It Takes a Village of Schools and has been recognized as an Innovator in STEM by the Chicago Urban League. His community service has been further demonstrated by his roles as former board chair of Community Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) and his board roles for Susan G. Komen Chicago and countless others. Dr. Watson is a native of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and completed his undergraduate training in Biology at the University of Michigan, his graduate work in Basic Medical Research at Wayne State University School of Medicine, his graduate MPH training in Community Health Sciences at UIC School of Public Health and his doctorate training in global health at Nova Southeastern University. He completed postdoctoral training in cancer center leadership under Dr. Robert A. Winn at the University of Illinois Cancer Center. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and has served the faith communities of the Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Horace E. Smith, MD and University Church under the leadership of Pastor Julian DeShazier.

Edmund Lau is a patient advocate and educator based in Singapore. He serves on the Advisory Board of the World Patients Alliance and is an Ambassador for the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. Edmund serves as Co-Chair of the GlobalSkin Asia Pacific Working Group, supporting collaboration and capacity-building across more than 30 countries in the region to advance patient-centred dermatology care, equity, and access. Edmund is a trained EUPATI Fellow. He is also a co-author of patient-centred work in psoriasis, contributing to efforts that strengthen value-based care and outcomes that matter to people living with psoriatic disease. He is also the General Secretary of the Psoriasis Association of Singapore, supporting local and international efforts to strengthen patient engagement, improve access to care, and advance health policy dialogue. Alongside his advocacy work, Edmund is an associate lecturer with more than 25 years of teaching experience across universities in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. He holds a Master of Health Economics, Management and Policy (University of Newcastle), a Master of Facilities and Environment Management (University College London), an MBA (International Business) (Oklahoma City University), a Master of Environmental Science (Singapore University of Social Sciences), and he is currently pursuing further postgraduate studies in public health and international law.

Nidhi Swarup is an internationally recognized patient advocacy leader with extensive experience across healthcare, social services, and nonprofit development. Despite living with multiple chronic conditions, she has successfully facilitated the formation of patient support groups across Asia and contributed significantly to advancing patient engagement on local, regional, and global platforms. Her strengths include strategic planning, organizational leadership, public communication, and the ability to conceptualize and implement impactful initiatives focused on holistic patient care. Academically trained in operations research, finance, and professional counselling, Nidhi currently serves on numerous influential committees and advisory boards, including the WHO Patients for Patient Safety Network, major health ministries, academic institutions, and international pharmaceutical panels. She also leads key patient organizations in Singapore. Her work includes published research on inflammatory bowel disease, patient engagement, and healthcare systems, along with conference contributions that highlight her commitment to improving patient experiences and outcomes worldwide.

Candace Henley is the Chief Surviving Officer of the Blue Hat Foundation, Inc. and has over 15 years of tireless advocacy for colon cancer prevention and support. Her battle with colon cancer and the devastation it left on her life and that of her children inspired her to create The Blue Hat Foundation. The organization was built on unconditional support and compassion for people fighting colon cancer. Their mission is to provide education, information, and free screenings for colon cancer in the minority and medically underserved communities through community partnerships with healthcare providers, hospital systems, and FQHC’s. Ms. Henley developed a strong understanding of healthcare inequities by pursuing her Masters in Public Health, which grew her advocacy to include healthcare equity, health equality, and research. She serves on the Community Advisory Board for the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Chicago Medicine, the University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center, and Duke Center for Research to Advance Healthcare Equity.

Sangeeta H. Wadhwa is a psychologist, counselor, motivational speaker, healthcare administrator, and clinical nutritionist with over 25 years of experience. As a lifelong thalassemia warrior, she has dedicated her career to advancing mental health support, thalassemia awareness, and patient advocacy across India. Her work spans psychological counseling, adolescent guidance, healthcare outreach, and large-scale awareness initiatives. She is a founder member of the Youth Thalassemia Alliance (YTA) and actively collaborates with multiple national and international health organizations to promote early screening, prevention, and holistic patient care. Throughout her career, she has led numerous national conferences, blood donation drives, workshops, and public education campaigns. Sangeeta has been recognized with multiple awards for her contribution to thalassemia awareness and has been featured in major media outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, CNBC, and various health podcasts. Her strengths include strong communication, leadership, empathy, and resilience, and she extends her social impact through activities like travel blogging, stand up comedy, marathon participation, and skill building classes for underprivileged communities.