Francisco "Paco" Cartujano Aids in the Cessation of Tobacco Use Among Latino and LGTBQ+ Populations
Francisco Cartujano Barrera, MD, a passionate advocate for health equity, is actively engaged in addressing tobacco-related health disparities among Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. As an assistant professor of Public Health Sciences and the assistant director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, he leads the Tobacco Cessation Program at UR Medicine.
Born and raised in Mexico, Cartujano Barrera recognised early on that his unique identity offered a valuable perspective to reach and improve the health of underserved communities. His research journey began seven years ago, and he was the only Latino and LGBTQ+ person on his initial research team.
Cartujano Barrera's research focuses on addressing tobacco-related health disparities among Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. He has developed text messaging programs in partnership with community members from those communities to help them quit vaping and smoking. These programs offer free, remote cessation support and medication, aiming to reduce high tobacco use rates in these populations.
His work has been shaped by mentorship from Paula Cupertino, PhD, a pioneer in engaging community members in the development, implementation, and dissemination of research on smoking cessation. Cartujano Barrera joined the University of Rochester in July 2020, finding it a very special place for his work, with amazing mentors, friends, and community members who support his mission.
In addition to his work on tobacco cessation, Cartujano Barrera has contributed to research on disparities in outpatient substance use disorder treatment, reflecting his broader focus on health inequities and developing practical health interventions through partnerships between academic institutions and the communities they serve.
When he's not working, Cartujano Barrera enjoys running in Rochester, a city known for its dog-friendly environment, with his three-year-old pug, Celsius, by his side. A big fan of Taylor Swift, Cartujano Barrera has attended her Eras Tour twice and plans to see her again in Switzerland next month. Celsius often accompanies Cartujano and enjoys visiting Java's Cafe for a puppuccino.
Smokers interested in learning more about the Tobacco Cessation Program offered at UR Medicine can schedule a consultation. Smokers are also at elevated risk of lung cancer and can get screened for early detection at UR Medicine throughout the Rochester and Finger Lakes region.
[1] University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Francisco Cartujano Barrera, MD, MPH. Retrieved from
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