Anisa Shomo, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, is a champion for her community at the College of Medicine, in her clinical role at the Cincinnati Health Department and in her many community engagements.

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When Shomo moved to Cincinnati, she decided to get involved with local communities to better understand their needs. She’s worked in Riverview East Academy’s school-based health center, served on the neighborhood’s community council, and supported countless community initiatives from Narcan training to cooking classes and re-establishing a community garden. Even though she is a physician, Shomo understands that her role as a community advocate extends beyond her healthcare expertise. 

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“As physicians, we are often called upon to be a part of different things, and people think that we are called upon for our expertise always, but a lot of times its more important to be there, be aware of what's happening and learn from the community in those instances,” said Shomo. “Sometimes we’re there more for partnership, and we need to determine the best partners to help us with a problem. It’s important to take an interdisciplinary approach and to be open to different types of ideas.” 

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Shomo’s research also extends into the community. She’s currently working to understand how to train young physicians to best care for patients with hypertension.  

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Shomo brings lessons from her community initiatives back to her students at the UC College of Medicine, as well as the undergraduate students and residents she works with at the Cincinnati Health Department. According to Shomo, working with students and young physicians gives her an opportunity to teach them how to truly listen to patients and address their concerns. 

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“I think that being part of University and being a physician gives us a lot of access to resources that a lot of people don't have. So just being part of the community and part of the team of people who may need those resources to be informed,” said Shomo. “One of the reasons I’ve stayed at the College of Medicine is because there is a strong desire to help the community, to make it better as a whole, through work with underserved populations. It’s amazing. A lot of universities don't do it the way we do it.”