Partnering to Accelerate Precision Medicine in Advocate Health’s Academic Learning Health System

Vice Chief Science Officer, Vice Dean for Regional Research Strategy and Integration, and President of Advocate Aurora Research Institute, and Professor of Public Health Sciences

Dr. Amit Acharya is a nationally recognized healthcare executive and researcher with over two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, biomedical informatics, and healthcare innovation. As Chief Research Officer for Advocate Health’s Midwest region, he leads the strategic growth and integration of research across Advocate Aurora Health, advancing discoveries from the lab to the bedside and into the community. Dr. Acharya is internationally known for his expertise in biomedical and dental informatics and has published extensively on bridging the medical-dental divide. His work focuses on building learning health systems that improve patient care through the seamless integration of research and clinical delivery. With a strong commitment to mentorship and equity, Dr. Acharya continues to shape the future of health research through leadership, collaboration, and innovation. 

Associate Professor, Department of Implementation Science

Caitlin G. Allen, PhD, MPH is a social and behavioral scientist with expertise in implementing evidence-based research to advance precision public health initiatives. She is a thought leader in the field of precision public health, with her work highlighted in Nature and Harvard Public Health Magazine. Her overarching research goal is to support the translation of genomics applications to maximize population health impact and improve health equity. To achieve this goal, Dr. Allen focuses on contributing to the field in three key areas: 

Participatory implementation science to support community engagement in genomics and precision public health research. 

Workforce diversity through training community health workers in genomics research competencies. 

Novel approaches to communicating genomic information among diverse populations (e.g., risk communication, results disclosure, family health history). 

Dr. Allen is also a dedicated mentor passionate about training the next generation of scientists in the field of precision public health. 

Associate Vice President of Precision Medicine at Advocate Clinical Laboratories

Sonia Benhamed is a seasoned molecular biology and human genetics expert with extensive experience in clinical laboratory operations. She excels in managing high-volume environments, leading large teams, and implementing innovative technologies to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Sonia is highly skilled in management, budgeting, and regulatory operations, including CAP/CLIA compliance, and has a strong track record in developing and validating clinical tests and laboratory procedures. Her technical expertise spans genomic DNA isolation, sequencing (Next-Generation, Affymetrix, Sanger), real-time PCR, MLPA, and sequencing data analysis. Sonia also plays a key role in staff recruitment, training, and mentoring, and collaborates closely with R and D to enhance laboratory performance. Her strategic leadership and commitment to quality make her a vital contributor to advancing precision medicine initiatives. 

Director at the Center for Precision Medicine and Professor in Molecular Medicine

Dr. Michael Olivier is a leading researcher in precision medicine and molecular biology, serving as Director of the Center for Precision Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His work integrates genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics to investigate the molecular basis of human diseases, with a particular focus on obesity, cardiovascular disease, and related metabolic disorders. Dr. Olivier co-directs the TOPS Nutrition and Obesity Research Center, where he leads efforts to understand genetic and lifestyle factors influencing weight loss and disease risk. His lab develops cutting-edge technologies, including HyCCAPP, a novel method to study protein-DNA interactions and gene regulation. With a career spanning basic science to translational research, Dr. Olivier is committed to advancing personalized approaches to health through innovative, data-driven discovery.

 Physician at Charlotte Radiology

Dr. Amy Sobel is a dedicated breast imaging and mammography specialist with over 25 years of experience at Charlotte Radiology, where she leads the Breast Imaging Section in partnership with Atrium Health Levine Cancer. She and her colleagues at Levine Cancer have built a robust, multidisciplinary breast program that is patient-centered and community-focused, providing annual breast cancer screening to over 130,000 women and comprehensive diagnostic services to over 40,000 women yearly. Dr. Sobel recently earned her Master of Public Health degree from UNC Chapel Hill and is working to translate her 30+ years of healthcare delivery experience into meaningful action for a healthier Charlotte population. Her interests focus on addressing disparities in the cancer diagnostic and treatment space so that all people are afforded the same opportunity to access care and live a healthy and productive life.