MD-PhD Candidate in Epidemiology
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Disclosure: Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics Research (Grant/Research Support)
M. Elle Saine, PhD, MA is a 6th year MD-PhD candidate in Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Elle conducts mixed-methods research, specializing in social epidemiology, infectious disease, and pharmacoepidemiology. Her dissertation research employed a patient-centered mixed-methods approach to investigate the role of disease-related stigma as a barrier in access to healthcare among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Her research uses a theory-based approach to explore how stigma informs healthcare policy, barriers in access to healthcare, and health equity. As part of this investigation, Elle studies the intersection of infectious disease epidemics, such as HCV and HIV/AIDS, and the opioid epidemic. She is particularly interested in developing novel mixed-methods approaches to better understand the dynamic social processes that impact health. Clinically, Elle is interested in Infectious Disease medicine, particularly among patient with substance use. She is currently applying for residency in Internal Medicine.