The Kendig Family Medicine Fund

We are so grateful for the generosity and philanthropy of the Kendig family. 

Dr. Shane´ J. Gill, LPC

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
The Kendig Family’s generous support has been instrumental in advancing my research on racial equity for the African Diaspora. Their funds have enabled critical work, including compensating participants in a study examining culture’s impact on behavioral health assessment for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

It is important to underscore the urgency of this research. Jefferson’s unique position in behavioral health for people of color, particularly in light of the geographic location of the institution (Philadelphia and the surrounding communities) and the challenges faced by the patient population, creates a pressing need for this study and my current research. The perils faced by this population underscore the necessity of our work and the immediate impact it can have.

As an Afro-Caribbean woman, I am deeply committed to using my education to improve health outcomes and promote equity for this population. Jefferson’s emphasis on behavioral health and equity in primary care aligns perfectly with my mission.

Looking ahead, additional funding may be warranted to further this vital work. Investment in primary care practices that integrate behavioral health services is not just beneficial, but essential. It is through such endeavors that we can continue to make strides toward achieving racial equity in healthcare.

Dr. Sara Beachy

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
“I am profoundly grateful for the support from the Kendig funds, which empowers us to pursue these critical research endeavors. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on patient care and system efficiency”.

As part of my current role, I am fortunate to work on two distinct projects were aided by the Kendig funds:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Primary Care: As part of our dedicated team, consisting of six psychologists across four US entities, we are committed to adapting DBT for primary care contexts. We recognize the challenges associated with outpatient therapy referrals, and thus, we’re conducting a feasibility study. Through insightful interviews with family medicine physicians and patients, we’re gathering valuable perspectives on the DBT program. Our ultimate aim is to create a manual specifically tailored for primary care settings, providing essential support for behavioral health consultants.

Substance Use and Trauma-Informed Care: In collaboration with the Bridge Program team, we’re delving into the intersection of substance use and trauma-informed practices. By embracing trauma-informed approaches, we seek to center the perspectives of the most vulnerable individuals to understand how to provide more comprehensive and holistic care to people who have endured structural violence. Furthermore, we’ll analyze the relationship between these hospital experiences and 30-day readmissions, with the Bridge Program serving as a crucial moderator.