Lauren Wisk, Ph.D.

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A Short Biography:

Lauren Wisk, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research. Prior to joining the faculty at UCLA, she was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and a Research Associate in the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. A health services researcher and methodologist, her overarching program of research focuses on understanding health and health services use among children, adolescents, young adults, and their families, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. Her work integrates a biopsychosocial model, social determinants of health model, and life course framework to investigate independent and interactive effects of biological, psychological, and social factors on health across the life course.

Dr. Wisk received a BS from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and she completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. Her research is supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Academic Pediatric Association, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program.

Work Titles
CTSI Member, CTSI
UCLA Assistant Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Education:
Degrees:
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 2009 - 2013
B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, 2004 - 2008
Fellowship:
2013 - 2015 Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Pediatric Health Services Research

Contact Information:

Email Address:

LWisk@mednet.ucla.edu


Work Phone Number:

3107940732

Research Interest:

Life course epidemiology; Social epidemiology; Chronic disease epidemiology; Adolescent/young adult health

Life course epidemiology is the study of long-term biological, behavioral, and psychosocial processes that link adult health and disease risk to physical or social exposures acting during gestation, childhood, adolescence, and earlier or adult life or across generations (Kuh and Ben-Shlomo 2004).

Social epidemiology proposes to identify societal characteristics (like social class and human capital) that affect the pattern of disease and health distribution in a society and to understand its mechanisms (Honjo 2004).

Research in chronic disease epidemiology addresses the etiology, prevention, distribution, progression, and treatment outcomes of chronic health disorders, including pediatric-onset conditions like Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). 

Publications:

A selected list of publications:

Wisk Lauren E, Magane Kara M, Nelson Eliza B, Weitzman Elissa R   Response to the Letter to the Editor From Mayen et al Regarding "Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention of College Students With Type 1 Diabetes via Social Media: An Implementation Case Study" Journal of diabetes science and technology, 2019; 1932296819882052.
Adams John S, Chien Alyna T, Wisk Lauren E   Mental Illness Among Youth With Chronic Physical Conditions Pediatrics, 2019; 144(1): 1932296819882052.
Wisk Lauren E, Levy Sharon, Weitzman Elissa R   Parental views on state cannabis laws and marijuana use for their medically vulnerable children Drug and alcohol dependence, 2019; 199(1): 59-67.
Lunstead Julie, Weitzman Elissa R, Harstad Elizabeth, Dedeoglu Fatma, Gaffin Jonathan M, Garvey Katharine C, MacGinnitie Andrew, Rufo Paul A, Fishman Laurie Newman, Wisk Lauren E, Levy Sharon   Screening and Counseling for Alcohol Use in Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions in the Ambulatory Setting The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 2019; 64(6): 804-806.
Wisk Lauren E, Nelson Eliza B, Magane Kara M, Weitzman Elissa R   Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention of College Students with Type 1 Diabetes via Social Media: An Implementation Case Study Journal of diabetes science and technology, 2019; 13(3): 445-456.
Wisk Lauren E, Sharma Niraj   Inequalities in Young Adult Health Insurance Coverage Post-federal Health Reform Journal of general internal medicine, 2019; 34(1): 65-74.
Weitzman Elissa R, Magane Kara M, Wisk Lauren E   How Returning Aggregate Research Results Impacts Interest in Research Engagement and Planned Actions Relevant to Health Care Decision Making: Cohort Study Journal of medical Internet research, 2018; 20(12): e10647.
Weitzman Elissa R, Magane Kara M, Wisk Lauren E, Allario Joseph, Harstad Elizabeth, Levy Sharon   Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Interactive Medications Among Medically Vulnerable Youth Pediatrics, 2018; 142(4): e10647.
Wisk Lauren E, Finkelstein Jonathan A, Toomey Sara L, Sawicki Gregory S, Schuster Mark A, Galbraith Alison A   Impact of an Individual Mandate and Other Health Reforms on Dependent Coverage for Adolescents and Young Adults Health services research, 2018; 53(3): 1581-1599.
Weitzman Elissa R, Wisk Lauren E, Salimian Parissa K, Magane Kara M, Dedeoglu Fatma, Hersh Aimee O, Kimura Yukiko, Mandl Kenneth D, Ringold Sarah, Natter Marc   Adding patient-reported outcomes to a multisite registry to quantify quality of life and experiences of disease and treatment for youth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis Journal of patient-reported outcomes, 2018; 2(3): 209-210.
Wisk Lauren E, Gray Susan H, Gooding Holly C   I Thought You Said This Was Confidential?-Challenges to Protecting Privacy for Teens and Young Adults JAMA pediatrics, 2018; 172(3): 209-210.
Gooding Holly C, Brown Courtney A, Wisk Lauren E   Investing in our future: The importance of ambulatory visits to achieving blood pressure control in young adults Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.), 2017; 19(12): 1298-1300.
Wisk Lauren E, Weitzman Elissa R   Expectancy and Achievement Gaps in Educational Attainment and Subsequent Adverse Health Effects Among Adolescents With and Without Chronic Medical Conditions The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 2017; 61(4): 461-470.
Harstad Elizabeth, Wisk Lauren E, Ziemnik Rosemary, Huang Qian, Salimian Parissa, Weitzman Elissa R, Levy Sharon   Substance Use Among Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Reasons for Use, Knowledge of Risks, and Provider Messaging/Education Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP, 2017; 38(6): 417-423.
Chunara Rumi, Wisk Lauren E, Weitzman Elissa R   Denominator Issues for Personally Generated Data in Population Health Monitoring American journal of preventive medicine, 2017; 52(4): 549-553.
Adams John S, Wisk Lauren E   Using the Chronic Care Model to Improve Pediatric Chronic Illness Care Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety, 2017; 43(3): 99-100.
Wisk Lauren E, Weitzman Elissa R   Substance Use Patterns Through Early Adulthood: Results for Youth With and Without Chronic Conditions American journal of preventive medicine, 2016; 51(1): 33-45.
Levy Sharon, Dedeoglu Fatma, Gaffin Jonathan M, Garvey Katharine C, Harstad Elizabeth, MacGinnitie Andrew, Rufo Paul A, Huang Qian, Ziemnik Rosemary E, Wisk Lauren E, Weitzman Elissa R   A Screening Tool for Assessing Alcohol Use Risk among Medically Vulnerable Youth PloS one, 2016; 11(5): e0156240.
Witt Whitney P, Mandell Kara C, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Chatterjee Debanjana, Wakeel Fathima, Park Hyojun, Zarak Dakota   Infant birthweight in the US: the role of preconception stressful life events and substance use Archives of women's mental health, 2016; 19(3): 529-42.
Cheng Erika R, Park Hyojun, Wisk Lauren E, Mandell Kara C, Wakeel Fathima, Litzelman Kristin, Chatterjee Debanjana, Witt Whitney P   Examining the link between women's exposure to stressful life events prior to conception and infant and toddler health: the role of birth weight Journal of epidemiology and community health, 2016; 70(3): 245-52.
Malecki Kristen, Wisk Lauren E, Walsh Matthew, McWilliams Christine, Eggers Shoshannah, Olson Melissa   Oral health equity and unmet dental care needs in a population-based sample: findings from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin American journal of public health, 2015; 105 Suppl 3(3): S466-74.
Witt Whitney P, Mandell Kara C, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Chatterjee Debanjana, Wakeel Fathima, Park Hyojun, Zarak Dakota   Predictors of alcohol and tobacco use prior to and during pregnancy in the US: the role of maternal stressors Archives of women's mental health, 2015; 18(3): 523-37.
Wisk Lauren E, Finkelstein Jonathan A, Sawicki Gregory S, Lakoma Matthew, Toomey Sara L, Schuster Mark A, Galbraith Alison A   Predictors of timing of transfer from pediatric- to adult-focused primary care JAMA pediatrics, 2015; 169(6): e150951.
Witt Whitney P, Park Hyojun, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Mandell Kara, Chatterjee Debanjana, Zarak Dakota   Neighborhood disadvantage, preconception stressful life events, and infant birth weight American journal of public health, 2015; 105(5): 1044-52.
Ejebe Ifna H, Jacobs Elizabeth A, Wisk Lauren E   Persistent differences in asthma self-efficacy by race, ethnicity, and income in adults with asthma The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma, 2015; 52(1): 105-13.
Witt Whitney P, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Mandell Kara, Chatterjee Debanjana, Wakeel Fathima, Godecker Amy L, Zarak Dakota   Determinants of cesarean delivery in the US: a lifecourse approach Maternal and child health journal, 2015; 19(1): 84-93.
Wisk Lauren E, Gangnon Ronald, Vanness David J, Galbraith Alison A, Mullahy John, Witt Whitney P   Development of a novel, objective measure of health care-related financial burden for U.S. families with children Health services research, 2014; 49(6): 1852-74.
Wisk Lauren E, Allchin Adelyn, Witt Whitney P   Disparities in human papillomavirus vaccine awareness among U.S. parents of preadolescents and adolescents Sexually transmitted diseases, 2014; 41(2): 117-22.
Witt Whitney P, Cheng Erika R, Wisk Lauren E, Litzelman Kristin, Chatterjee Debanjana, Mandell Kara, Wakeel Fathima   Maternal stressful life events prior to conception and the impact on infant birth weight in the United States American journal of public health, 2014; 104 Suppl 1(6): S81-9.
Creswell Paul D, Wisk Lauren E, Litzelman Kristin, Allchin Adelyn, Witt Whitney P   Parental depressive symptoms and childhood cancer: the importance of financial difficulties Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2014; 22(2): 503-11.
Witt Whitney P, Cheng Erika R, Wisk Lauren E, Litzelman Kristin, Chatterjee Debanjana, Mandell Kara, Wakeel Fathima   Preterm birth in the United States: the impact of stressful life events prior to conception and maternal age American journal of public health, 2014; 104 Suppl 1(6): S73-80.
Wakeel Fathima, Witt Whitney P, Wisk Lauren E, Lu Michael C, Chao Shin M   Racial and ethnic disparities in personal capital during pregnancy: findings from the 2007 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) study Maternal and child health journal, 2014; 18(1): 209-222.
Pollock Elizabeth A, Litzelman Kristin, Wisk Lauren E, Witt Whitney P   Correlates of physiological and psychological stress among parents of childhood cancer and brain tumor survivors Academic pediatrics, 2013; 13(2): 105-12.
Wakeel Fathima, Wisk Lauren E, Gee Rebekah, Chao Shin M, Witt Whitney P   The balance between stress and personal capital during pregnancy and the relationship with adverse obstetric outcomes: findings from the 2007 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) study Archives of women's mental health, 2013; 16(6): 435-51.
Wisk Lauren E, Witt Whitney P   Predictors of delayed or forgone needed health care for families with children Pediatrics, 2012; 130(6): 1027-37.
Witt Whitney P, Litzelman Kristin, Spear Hilary A, Wisk Lauren E, Levin Nataliya, McManus Beth M, Palta Mari   Health-related quality of life of mothers of very low birth weight children at the age of five: results from the Newborn Lung Project Statewide Cohort Study Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation, 2012; 21(9): 1565-76.
Witt Whitney P, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Hampton John M, Hagen Erika W   Preconception mental health predicts pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes: a national population-based study Maternal and child health journal, 2012; 16(7): 1525-41.
Keller Abiola, Litzelman Kristin, Wisk Lauren E, Maddox Torsheika, Cheng Erika Rose, Creswell Paul D, Witt Whitney P   Does the perception that stress affects health matter? The association with health and mortality Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 2012; 31(5): 677-84.
Witt Whitney P, Wisk Lauren E, Cheng Erika R, Hampton John M, Creswell Paul D, Hagen Erika W, Spear Hilary A, Maddox Torsheika, Deleire Thomas   Poor prepregnancy and antepartum mental health predicts postpartum mental health problems among US women: a nationally representative population-based study Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, 2011; 21(4): 304-13.
Gruen Thomas A, Le Duff Michel J, Wisk Lauren E, Amstutz Harlan C   Prevalence and clinical relevance of radiographic signs of impingement in metal-on-metal hybrid hip resurfacing The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 2011; 93(16): 1519-26.
Witt Whitney P, Litzelman Kristin, Mandic Carmen G, Wisk Lauren E, Hampton John M, Creswell Paul D, Gottlieb Carissa A, Gangnon Ronald E   Healthcare-Related Financial Burden among Families in the U.S.: The Role of Childhood Activity Limitations and Income Journal of family and economic issues, 2011; 32(2): 308-326.
Amstutz Harlan C, Le Duff Michel J, Campbell Patricia A, Wisk Lauren E, Takamura Karren M   Complications after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty The Orthopedic clinics of North America, 2011; 42(2): 207-30, viii.
Wisk Lauren E, Amstutz Harlan C   Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing in rheumatoid patients. A report on thirteen hips with minimum 3 year follow-up Hip international : the journal of clinical and experimental research on hip pathology and therapy, 2011; 21(1): 59-65.
Amstutz Harlan C, Wisk Lauren E, Le Duff Michel J   Sex as a patient selection criterion for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty The Journal of arthroplasty, 2011; 26(2): 198-208.
Le Duff Michel J, Wang Chen-Ti, Wisk Lauren E, Takamura Kohtaroh B, Amstutz Harlan C   Benefits of thin-shelled acetabular components for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society, 2010; 28(12): 1665-70.
Amstutz Harlan C, Le Duff Michel J, Campbell Patricia A, Gruen Thomas A, Wisk Lauren E   Clinical and radiographic results of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing with a minimum ten-year follow-up The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 2010; 92(16): 2663-71.
Witt Whitney P, DeLeire Thomas, Hagen Erika W, Wichmann Margarete A, Wisk Lauren E, Spear Hilary A, Cheng Erika R, Maddox Torsheika, Hampton John   The prevalence and determinants of antepartum mental health problems among women in the USA: a nationally representative population-based study Archives of women's mental health, 2010; 13(5): 425-37.
Witt Whitney P, Litzelman Kristin, Wisk Lauren E, Spear Hilary A, Catrine Kris, Levin Nataliya, Gottlieb Carissa A   Stress-mediated quality of life outcomes in parents of childhood cancer and brain tumor survivors: a case-control study Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation, 2010; 19(7): 995-1005.
Le Duff Michel J, Wisk Lauren E, Amstutz Harlan C   Range of motion after stemmed total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing - a clinical study Bulletin of the NYU hospital for joint diseases, 2009; 67(2): 177-81.
Lin Alexander P, Bennett Eric, Wisk Lauren E, Gharib Morteza, Fraser Scott E, Wen Han   Circumferential strain in the wall of the common carotid artery: comparing displacement-encoded and cine MRI in volunteers Magnetic resonance in medicine, 2008; 60(1): 8-13.

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