Researcher Spotlight: Cristina Drenkard

What is your professional background?
I received my medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina in 1983. I was trained in internal medicine and rheumatology in the Hospital Nacional de Clínicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Argentina. In 1987, I underwent additional postgraduate training in clinical epidemiology in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology of the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, in Mexico City. In 2001, I obtained my PhD in Medicine from the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Argentina.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am an associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology. Drs. Sanz and Lim are my mentors.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research focuses on racial disparities in lupus outcomes. I lead an R01 study on the effectiveness of a community-based self-management intervention among African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). I am the PI, along with Dr Lim, of a CDC-funded population-based cohort conducted to study social and biological determinants of outcomes in SLE and cutaneous lupus. I lead a social media-based program in Spanish and Portuguese to empower Latin-Americans with lupus by addressing the education and self-management needs of this population.

What do you like most about Emory?
I like the highly intellectual and collaborative community of Emory, built on a diverse and inclusive culture.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I like watching PBS NewsHour.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like traveling and spending time with my family members, who live abroad. While I am in Atlanta, I enjoy watching videos of my 1-year granddaughter, reading fiction books, and listening to classical music.

What is a fun fact about you?
When I moved to the U.S. in 2002, my English was so limited I was unable to understand what the cashier was telling me when she asked about paper or plastic bags!