Utibe R. Essien, MD MPH

Dr. Essien is a health services researcher and practicing general internist who conducts research on racial/ethnic health disparities. His research focus is on the use of novel therapeutics and technologies in the management of chronic diseases and understanding mechanisms by which differences exist in their uptake and diffusion.

As an early career researcher, Dr. Essien has applied innovative methods to study whether racial/ethnic differences exist in the use of novel anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation, including after controlling for patient-level socioeconomic status factors. Additionally, he has applied a disparities research framework to the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a national expert in the health disparities that are disproportionately affecting minority communities in the U.S. with COVID-19.

Currently, Dr. Essien is a Core Investigator in the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion in the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. He is studying patient, provider, and system-level predictors of use of novel treatments in chronic disease management among Veterans. He is also interested in developing patient-centered interventions to increase knowledge of therapeutic options.