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Yolandra Hancock

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Yolandra Hancock is an American pediatrician, public health educator, and nationally recognized advocate for health equity. A native of New Orleans,[1] she integrates clinical care, academic instruction, and public engagement to combat chronic conditions that disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations—particularly childhood obesity and diet-related diseases.[2] She is an Associate Professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where her work centers on the social determinants of health, prevention strategies for chronic illness, and culturally responsive healthcare practices.[3]

Yolandra Hancock
Born
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
EducationMD – David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
MPH – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Occupation(s)Pediatrician, public health educator, professor
EmployerGeorge Washington University
Known forChildhood obesity prevention, health equity advocacy
Medical career
InstitutionsChildren’s National Medical Center
George Washington University

Early life and education

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Hancock was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where her commitment to health advocacy took root at an early age.[1] She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),[4] followed by a medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she focused her training on underserved communities.[2] She completed her pediatric residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,[5] where she treated complex childhood conditions and developed a passion for preventive care. Hancock later earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a concentration in community health and disease prevention.[1][6]

Career

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Hancock began her medical practice at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she served as Associate Director of the Obesity Institute. She later launched Delta Health and Wellness Consulting, focused on strategic public health initiatives. At George Washington University, she teaches courses on health equity, mentors future public health professionals, and contributes to curriculum development in community health.[7][1]

Aiming to become a “21st-century Dr. Spock,”[3] Hancock has emphasized the importance of digital innovation in reaching families and improving pediatric health outcomes.[8] In 2022, she received federal research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the development of scalable, technology-based interventions for childhood obesity.[8]

Mentorship and leadership

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  • Hancock served as a research mentor and department chair during the Milken Institute School of Public Health’s 2018 Research Day, guiding graduate student presenters.[9]
  • She is Medical Director of CRC Health & Wellness Group and Founder of Delta Health & Wellness Consulting, where she oversees public health programs focused on chronic disease prevention.[10]
  • As an adjunct professor at GWU, she participates in institutional committees advancing diversity, equity, and community health education.[11]
  • She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association’s Greater Washington Region and chairs its Advocacy Committee, helping lead regional health equity and nutrition initiatives.[12][13]
  • She co-leads the AHA's regional “Red Chair Series” and other programs designed to elevate women’s cardiovascular health awareness.[14]
  • In 2024, she was named to the IDLife Scientific Medical Advisory Board, contributing her expertise in preventive health and chronic disease management.[15]

Research and advocacy

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Hancock’s research focuses on childhood obesity prevention and health disparities, particularly in communities with limited access to healthy foods and preventive care. She has contributed to local policy development, including advocacy for restaurant menu regulations in Prince George's County, Maryland, and has supported initiatives to advance vaccine equity and address systemic racism in healthcare.[16][17]

In fiscal year 2021, Hancock conducted wellness trainings for early childhood educators and families as part of a resilience-building initiative led by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, D.C.[18]

In January 2025, Hancock participated in a Living Well DC event organized by the American Heart Association in partnership with OSSE, contributing to public health discussions across the Greater Washington Region.[19]

Media coverage

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News articles

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  • The Washington Post and WJLA-TV (December 2024) quoted Hancock on a proposed sweetened-beverage tax.[20]
  • The New York Times (June 2020) discussed political and industry influence on federal dietary guidelines, a policy area in which Hancock has been an active voice.[21]
  • CNN (September 2020) featured Hancock in a “Champions for Change” segment.[22]
  • The Grio (July 2023) profiled her commentary on sugar-related health issues.[23]
  • NPR (2012) profiled her in a segment on obesity and classroom experiences.[24]
  • Yahoo! News (March 2023) noted her work during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.[25]
  • DC News Now (August 2022) highlighted her back-to-school health advice.[26]
  • The Washington Informer (May 2021) quoted Hancock in coverage of D.C.’s proposed sugar tax, where she emphasized its potential to address health disparities in Black communities.[27]
  • WAMU (2011) featured her work with the IDEAL clinic.[7]

Television and video

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Date Platform Highlights Citation
June 5, 2011 NBC News “Step Two/Three to Health” segment on childhood obesity featuring Dr. Yolandra Hancock. "Step Two/Three to Health: Dr. Yolandra Hancock on Childhood Obesity". NBC News. June 5, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
October 7, 2022 PBS – The Chavis Chronicles Dr. Yolandra Hancock discusses COVID-19 risks and health disparities. "Dr. Yolandra Hancock on COVID-19 and Health Disparities". PBS. October 7, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
2010s BET – People Making a Difference Dr. Yolandra Hancock featured in BET’s “People Making a Difference” series. "People Making a Difference: Dr. Yolandra Hancock". BET. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
2010s Vimeo Video featuring Dr. Yolandra Hancock discussing health advocacy; similar in theme to BET’s “People Making a Difference” series. "Dr. Yolandra Hancock on Health Advocacy". Vimeo. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
March 2024 FOX 5 DC Dr. Yolandra Hancock appears on segment about Black maternal health. "Dr. Yolandra Hancock on Black Maternal Health". FOX 5 DC. March 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
2024 TEDxFoggyBottom Dr. Yolandra Hancock delivers talk: “The Urgent Fight for Health Equity.” "Dr. Yolandra Hancock – The Urgent Fight for Health Equity (TEDxFoggyBottom)". YouTube. Retrieved June 22, 2025.

Podcasts

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  • March 2021 – Subvert (Corporate Accountability): Hancock joined public health advocates to examine corporate influence on dietary health and promote accountability among food and beverage companies.[28]
  • April 2020 – Roland Martin Unfiltered on COVID-19 and racial disparities.[29]
  • January 2021 – The Critical Hour on pandemic policy.[30]
  • April 2021 – ProspectiveDoctor podcast on obesity and culturally competent care.[31]

Legislative testimony

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  • March 6, 2024 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock testified before the Maryland House of Delegates in support of HB 986, which called for a Medicaid study on obesity treatment coverage.[32]
  • February 1, 2022 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock testified before the Montgomery County Council in support of Bill 1-22, which established nutritional standards for children’s meals to address chronic diseases linked to COVID-19 severity.[33]
  • June 2010 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock testified before the Council of the District of Columbia in support of children’s menu nutrition standards legislation.[34]

Corporate engagement

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In May 2021, Hancock addressed shareholders at PepsiCo's annual meeting on behalf of Harrington Investments, raising concerns about the health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages and encouraging greater corporate transparency.[35][36]

Selected publications

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  • Moon, R.Y., Cunningham, R.M., Hancock, Y., et al. (2014). “Feasibility of a virtual learning collaborative to improve quality of care in pediatric emergency departments.” Int J Qual Health Care, 26(2): 205–211.
  • Warren, K.R., Richardson, L., Hancock, Y., et al. (2023). “Peer-Led Focus Groups Identify Barriers to Healthy Lifestyle in African American Adolescents from Baltimore City.” Ethn Dis, 33(4): 163–169.
  • Hancock, Y. (2014). “A Clinical Approach to Condition Diagnosing Using the Juxtopia Imhotep Open-Wear Platform.” J Biomed Eng Med Imaging, 1(3).

Awards and recognition

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  • Halcyon Incubator Fellow (2023)[5]
  • NIH-funded research awardee (2022) for technology-based childhood obesity interventions.[1]
  • Physician Practice Connections – Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Program, National Committee for Quality Assurance (2011–2014)[37]
  • National Health Service Corps Scholar (2000)[38]
  • Herbert W. Nickens Award (2000) from the Association of American Medical Colleges for promoting diversity in medicine.[39]
  • Hancock received the AHA Greater Washington Region’s Health Equity Leadership Award for her role in advancing nutrition policy reforms and child wellness advocacy.[40]

Legacy and impact

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Hancock has built a multidisciplinary career addressing disparities in health through clinical practice, academic leadership, and public discourse. As one of the few African American women in pediatrics with national visibility, she has influenced public health policy and public understanding of childhood obesity, nutrition, and racial equity in healthcare.

Her mentorship at George Washington University and contributions to media, policy, and research continue to shape the next generation of public health professionals. Her work underscores the importance of equitable access to preventive care, culturally competent practices, and systemic reform.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Yolandra Hancock, MD, MPH". George Washington University. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Hancock, Yolandra. "About Dr. Yolandra Hancock". AskDrYola.com. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Dr. Yolandra Hancock". WEDC Fest 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  4. ^ "Dr. Yolandra Hancock, MD". Find A Black Doctor. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Yolandra Hancock". Halcyon Incubator. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  6. ^ "Feasibility of a School-Based Health Intervention". JScholarship, Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Pediatrician Helps Obese Children Take 'Baby Steps'". WAMU. April 27, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Dr. Yolandra Hancock". WEDC Fest. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  9. ^ "Research Days 2018 Abstract Book – Day 2" (PDF). George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. GWU. April 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  10. ^ "Yolandra Hancock, MD, MPH". Milken Institute School of Public Health, GWU. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  11. ^ "Yolandra Hancock, MD, MPH". Milken Institute School of Public Health, GWU. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  12. ^ "Greater Washington Region Board of Directors". American Heart Association. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  13. ^ "American Heart Association Announces Changes to the Greater Washington Region Board of Directors". American Heart Association Eastern States. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  14. ^ "Red Chair Series – Washington, DC". American Heart Association. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  15. ^ "Meet the Newest Member of the IDLife Sci Med Board". TapInto. April 22, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  16. ^ "Montgomery County, MD to Implement First-in-the-Nation Legislation Improving Kids' Meals". Center for Science in the Public Interest. September 14, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  17. ^ Kranz, Ashley M.; Chandra, Anita; Madrigano, Jaime; Ruder, Teague; Gahlon, Grace; Blanchard, Janice C.; King, Christopher J. (2021). Assessing Health and Human Services Needs to Support an Integrated Health in All Policies Plan for Prince George’s County, Maryland (PDF) (Report). RR-A647-1-v2. RAND Corporation. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  18. ^ "FY21 POH Narrative Final" (PDF). Office of the State Superintendent of Education (DC). Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  19. ^ "January 2025". Living Well DC. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  20. ^ "Why the DC council is considering a tax on drinks with natural sweeteners". WJLA. December 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  21. ^ Jacobs, Amy (June 17, 2020). "The Process to Create the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Is Both Controversial and Under Industry Influence". The New York Times. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  22. ^ "CNN segment Champions for Change – Our Voice, Nuestro Poder". CNN. September 14, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  23. ^ "Is Our Sugar Addiction Killing Us?". The Grio. July 10, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  24. ^ "At School, Overweight Children Carry a Heavy Burden". NPR. September 23, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  25. ^ "What's going around: Childhood Obesity Awareness Month". Yahoo! News. March 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  26. ^ "Prince George's County doctor offers back to school advice". DC News Now. August 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  27. ^ "D.C.'s Proposed Sugar Tax Sparks Racially Charged Debate". The Washington Informer. May 18, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  28. ^ "Episode 1: A field trip to (virtual) shareholders' meetings" (PDF). Corporate Accountability. March 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  29. ^ "Staying mentally fit and healthy in the midst of coronavirus". PodScripts.co. April 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  30. ^ "'The Critical Hour' podcast featuring Dr. Yolandra Hancock on COVID-19". Listen Notes. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  31. ^ DeRouen, Erkeda (April 2021). "Obesity Medicine & Healthcare Disparities with Dr. Yolandra Hancock". ProspectiveDoctor. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  32. ^ "HB0986 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Required Study". Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  33. ^ "Testimony of Dr. Yolandra Hancock on Bill 1-22" (PDF). Montgomery County Council. February 1, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  34. ^ "Officials wary of D.C. healthy food law's implementation". The Washington Times. June 22, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  35. ^ "PepsiCo Inc Annual Shareholders Meeting on May 05, 2021" (PDF). PepsiCo. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  36. ^ "Statement: Dr. Yolandra Hancock addresses PepsiCo shareholders at annual meeting". Corporate Accountability. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  37. ^ "Dr. Yolandra Hancock, MD". Doximity. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  38. ^ "Dr. Yolandra Hancock, MD". Doximity. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  39. ^ "Herbert W. Nickens Awards – Past Recipients". Association of American Medical Colleges. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  40. ^ "Five Greater Washington Region Volunteer Leaders Honored". American Heart Association Eastern States. Retrieved June 23, 2025.


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