As a newly appointed member of the 果冻影院 Cancer Center’s , Mochamad (Muska) M. Nataliansyah, MD, MPH, PhD, is dedicated to blending innovation in healthcare with a commitment to addressing disparities in cancer care and community health. With research rooted in implementation science and the pursuit of health equity, Dr. Nataliansyah is focused on creating lasting solutions that combine evidence-based research with a collaborative approach—one that brings together healthcare providers, community leaders, and patients.
In addition to his appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Dr. Nataliansyah is a member of the 果冻影院 LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program and a core member of the Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS) and Collaborative for Healthcare Delivery Science (CHDS), a group of healthcare leaders and researchers who leverage frontline clinical perspectives to improve patient outcomes, intervention, and care.
“The most rewarding part of my work is seeing how these collaborations lead to tangible improvements in care and outcomes, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also embraced and sustained by the communities they serve,” said Dr. Nataliansyah.
GET TO KNOW MUSKA
What are some unique barriers communities face when it comes to cancer care? How is your research addressing these barriers?
Communities face a range of barriers to cancer care, including economic disparities, geographic isolation, and systemic biases. One of our projects is helping to define the role of champions in implementing cancer care interventions and is designed to identify and leverage key clinical and community individuals to advocate for and drive the adoption of these interventions to address care disparities. Our review found champions play a key role in implementing cancer care interventions by facilitating change, promoting outreach, and recruiting participants. They also create a supportive climate for implementation, mitigate barriers, and expand awareness of the interventions. By working closely with these champions, we can ensure that patient treatment and care are tailored to specific needs, making them more effective and sustainable.
You’re a proponent of digital health interventions in reducing barriers. Tell us more.
Digital tools are playing a critical role in advancing health equity by improving access to care and enabling more personalized treatment approaches. Our systematic review of interventions to improve pancreatic cancer care has shown how digital health interventions can enhance patient experience in areas like care management. The review identified telehealth as one of the tools, along with mobile health apps and platforms for remote symptom management and nutrition guidance. They enhance care coordination and empower patients to manage their health. The greater application of these tools will be essential in closing the gaps that often lead to disparities, ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need, regardless of their background.
What motivates you in your work?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. For example, I have been involved in a project promoting clinical trial engagement in underrepresented populations with pancreatic cancer using a digital application. Being part of this project is especially rewarding because it allows me to contribute to ensuring that clinical trials are inclusive and accessible using an innovative tool.
I'm also currently engaged in a project utilizing to estimate the utilization of multimodalities treatment and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. This work is significant because it uses real-world data to identify key factors influencing the utilization of various treatment modalities, which is crucial for improving access and outcomes in vulnerable populations.
How is real-world data influencing public health policy?
Population-based research plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy by identifying disparities in cancer care and providing evidence to inform targeted interventions. For example, our ongoing work with the examines how socio-economic and racial differences impact cancer care delivery across various facilities. By understanding these patterns, we can guide policy decisions that aim to ensure consistent, high-quality care for all patients, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing inequities in cancer care.
View Dr. Nataliansyah’s recent .
Looking ahead, what is the future of cancer disparities research?
The future of research will increasingly focus on integrating implementation science with innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. As we develop more targeted interventions, addressing the systemic barriers contributing to care disparities is crucial. My work in both cancer care and broader health services research, such as rural healthcare challenges and telehealth, has demonstrated that real change comes from understanding and tackling these underlying factors. Moving forward, the field must continue exploring how to implement interventions in sustainable and equitable ways, ensuring that all patients benefit from advances in cancer care. Empowering communities and fostering strong partnerships between academic institutions and community organizations will be key to this effort, as these collaborations are essential for creating interventions that are both effective and embraced by those they are designed to help.
Learn more about Dr. Nataliansyah and view his recent publications.