Yolandra Hancock

Yolandra Hancock
Born	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
🏳️ Nationality	American
🏫 Education	M.D. – David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA MPH – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
💼 Occupation	Pediatrician, public health educator, professor
Known for	Childhood obesity prevention, health equity advocacy

Yolandra Hancock is an American pediatrician, public health educator, and nationally recognized advocate for health equity. A native of New Orleans, 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. 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.

Early life and education

Hancock was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where her commitment to health advocacy took root at an early age. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), followed by a medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she focused her training on underserved communities. She completed her pediatric residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, 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.

Career

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.

Aiming to become a “21st-century Dr. Spock,” Hancock has emphasized the importance of digital innovation in reaching families and improving pediatric health outcomes. 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.

Mentorship and leadership

In 2018, during the Milken Institute School of Public Health’s Research Day, Hancock served as a research mentor and department chair, advising graduate student presenters and supporting public health scholarship.

She is Medical Director of CRC Health & Wellness Group and founder of Delta Health & Wellness Consulting, which manage public health programs focused on chronic disease prevention and health equity. As an adjunct professor at George Washington University, she participates in committees related to diversity, equity, and community health education.

Hancock serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association’s Greater Washington Region, where she chairs the Advocacy Committee and works on regional nutrition and health equity initiatives. She also co-leads the AHA’s regional “Red Chair Series” and related programs promoting women's cardiovascular health.

In 2024, she was named to the Scientific Medical Advisory Board of IDLife, a health company focused on personalized nutrition and wellness.

Research and advocacy

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.

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.

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.

Legislative testimony

• 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.

In her testimony, Dr. Hancock emphasized the health and economic impacts of obesity on marginalized communities and the need for equitable coverage:

Obesity is not simply a medical issue. It's a social and economic one. For far too long, underserved Marylanders have been denied access to comprehensive obesity treatment. Without Medicaid coverage, families cannot access proven therapies—leaving them more vulnerable to chronic disease, lost productivity, and financial hardship.

— Yolandra Hancock, M.D., Testimony before the Maryland House of Delegates on HB 986, Maryland General Assembly, March 6, 2024

Dr. Hancock also called on the legislature to:

• Expand Medicaid reimbursement to cover preventive medications, nutritional counseling, and behavioral therapy.
• Ensure community-based programs include culturally tailored interventions reflecting the needs of diverse populations.
• Track outcomes to measure cost savings, reduction in comorbidities, and improvements in quality of life.
• February 1, 2022 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock testified before the Montgomery County Council in support of Bill 1-22, which proposed nutritional standards for children's meals sold in restaurants to combat diet-related chronic diseases. Her testimony highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on children with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—especially among children of color.

With diet-related conditions playing a major role in how severely children are affected by COVID-19, urgent action is needed. Bill 1-22 offers a timely solution by setting standards for kids’ meals and drinks, making it easier for families—especially busy parents like myself—to choose healthier options.

— Yolandra Hancock, M.D., M.P.H., Testimony before the Montgomery County Council on Bill 1-22, Montgomery County Council, February 1, 2022

Hancock concluded by urging policymakers to act with urgency, arguing that the long-term health of children should outweigh concerns about short-term regulatory burdens on food establishments. She framed the legislation as a necessary public health intervention in the wake of the pandemic.

• June 2010 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock testified before the Council of the District of Columbia in support of children’s menu nutrition standards legislation.

Corporate engagement

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 accountability. Speaking as a pediatrician and public health advocate, she urged PepsiCo to disclose more information about its marketing practices and product health impacts, particularly in communities of color disproportionately affected by diet-related diseases.

As a physician, I see firsthand how the consumption of sugary drinks contributes to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses—especially among Black and Brown children. We urge PepsiCo to acknowledge the public health consequences of its products and provide transparency around its marketing practices in vulnerable communities.

— Yolandra Hancock, M.D., M.P.H., Statement to PepsiCo Shareholders, Corporate Accountability, May 5, 2021

Hancock’s remarks aligned with a broader shareholder resolution calling on the company to conduct a racial equity audit and improve its public disclosures around health-related business practices.

Legacy and impact

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 helped shape public health policy and increase awareness around childhood obesity, nutrition, and racial equity in health care.

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

Awards and recognition

Year	Award or Recognition	Organization / Description
2000	National Health Service Corps Scholar	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2000	Herbert W. Nickens Award	Association of American Medical Colleges – for promoting diversity in medicine
2011–2014	Physician Practice Connections – Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Program	National Committee for Quality Assurance
2021	Health Equity Leadership Award	American Heart Association Greater Washington Region – for nutrition policy reform and child wellness advocacy
2022	NIH-funded research awardee	For technology-based childhood obesity interventions
2023	Halcyon Incubator Fellow	Halcyon

Media coverage

News articles

• The Washington Post and WJLA-TV (December 2024) quoted Hancock on a proposed sweetened-beverage tax.
• 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.
• CNN (September 2020) featured Hancock in a “Champions for Change” segment.
• The Grio (July 2023) profiled her commentary on sugar-related health issues.
• NPR (2012) profiled her in a segment on obesity and classroom experiences.
• Yahoo! News (March 2023) noted her work during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
• DC News Now (August 2022) highlighted her back-to-school health advice.
• 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.
• WAMU (2011) featured her work with the IDEAL clinic.

Television and video

Date	Platform	Notes	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. April 4, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.

Podcasts

• 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.
• April 2020 – Roland Martin Unfiltered on COVID-19 and racial disparities.
• January 2021 – The Critical Hour on pandemic policy.
• April 2021 – ProspectiveDoctor podcast on obesity and culturally competent care.

Selected publications

• 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).

See also

• Childhood obesity in the United States
• Health equity
• Social determinants of health
• Public health in the United States
• Obesity in the United States

External links

• AskDrYola.com – Official website
• Profile at GWU

References

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