Charee M. Thompson, PhD
Associate Professor of Communication and Biomedical and Translational Sciences; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Charee M. Thompson is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a leading scholar in health communication. She is currently co-editing the groundbreaking Handbook of Women and Health Communication. With over 66 peer-reviewed publications and 120 conference presentations, her research examines the intersection of interpersonal communication and health, particularly how individuals navigate uncertainties associated with chronic, stigmatized, and underfunded health conditions. Her work emphasizes the development and evaluation of innovative, evidence-based communication training programs for healthcare providers and social network members.
As Chair of the Health Communication Division of the National Communication Association, Dr. Thompson has earned numerous accolades, including multiple top paper awards, the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and recognition for her impactful research on women’s health care experiences. Her scholarship frequently bridges theory and practice, exemplified by her work on a cutting-edge virtual reality cultural competency training for physicians. This immersive program, designed to address healthcare disparities—particularly in maternal health—demonstrates her commitment to equipping providers with the skills to deliver more equitable and empathetic care.