Maichou Lor, PhD, RN

Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University
PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Nursing
MS, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Nursing
BS, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Nursing

Dr. Lor’s overall research program aims to reduce health disparities by improving symptom management and quality of life for patients with communication challenges, particularly those with limited English proficiency (LEP). Her research focuses on (1) exploring the influence of cultural, language, and historical factors on communication as well as other conditions that might influence patients’ ability to communicate and (2) designing and testing culturally and linguistically innovative health assessment approaches for LEP patients using applied informatics.

Research focus areas

Health Disparities

• Language and interpreting access
• Health literacy
• Improvement data collection for research in underrepresented communities
• Development of culturally and linguistically appropriate health interventions
• Hmong health

Symptom Science & Palliative Care

• Doctor-patient pain communication
• Pain
• Pain assessment
• Biological, psychological, and social factors that impact pain reporting

Aging & Care for Older Adults

• Health interventions involving family caregivers to support older adults
• Hearing loss among minority older adults

Aging & Care for Older Adults Health Disparities Health Systems & Public Health Symptom Science & Palliative Care