The Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health (OSPH) is UT Southwestern's first new addition in more than 50 years, and the breadth and depth of its faculty is rapidly expanding. OSPH deepens knowledge in this rapidly growing field, trains leaders to improve health and reduce disease, and educates a strong pipeline of experts in a wide range of specialties and training in this field. , builds on UTSW's history of success in addressing public health issues.
Recruitment efforts are led by OSPH founder Saad B. Omer, MBBS, MPH, Ph.D., and professors Trish Perl, MD, and Raymond Greenberg, MD. OSPH. Their search focuses on finding talented researchers and educators who can fill positions ranging from entry-level to senior-level leadership.
“These people will strengthen methodological approaches to the study of diseases: cancer, infectious diseases, vaccinology, mental health, climate impacts, pandemic response, maternal and child health, cardiovascular disease and aging.” said Dr. Pearl, a professor of internal medicine who specializes in infectious diseases and is a member of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Geographical Medicine.
Dr. Carolyn Smith Morris is a professor at the O'Donnell School of Public Health and a public health advocate in the community.
She believes many factors will attract applicants from a wide range, including UTSW's reputation for medical innovation and excellent research and clinical resources. “Dr. Omer is a prominent public health figure with an international reputation, and we have several faculty members with international standing who have served as great ambassadors,” said Dr. Pearl. Ta. “Dallas is a large and diverse city, and the unique opportunities in public health are extraordinary.”
The overwhelming response from job seekers across the country indicates high hopes for successful recruitment. “Many of our best candidates were referred to us by colleagues at the school or elsewhere within UT Southwestern,” said Dr. Greenberg, a cancer researcher and epidemiologist. . “Referrals are always an important means of identifying talented candidates, but this is especially true for new schools that are just beginning to establish their reputation. When applicants become aware of the great opportunities at UT Southwestern, we You have a great chance of getting them into the school.”
One promising recruitment approach is to identify candidates who can help build bridges between OSPH and other programs within UTSW. “For example, the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center has been an excellent partner in attracting faculty interested in cancer prevention and control. Similarly, the Department of Psychiatry has We are already in discussions about joint recruitment efforts with the Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, the Department of Pediatrics, the Department of General Internal Medicine, the Department of Cardiology, and several other organizations.'' said Dr. Greenberg.
Since its launch in 2022, OSPH has grown to an interdisciplinary team of 56 principal faculty, 52 adjunct scholars, and 75 staff members. All work in the field of public health and thrive in UTSW's rich academic environment of innovation and collaboration. In 2023, OSPH will welcome its first class of students, enrolling its first Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health (MD/MPH) dual degree students in May, and its first Master of Public Health (MPH) class in 2023. has started. August. The PhD in Public Health PhD program will begin this fall for students with an emphasis in health data science, health economics, and policy.
As recruitment efforts continue, OSPH is attracting top talent and bringing new energy to the UTSW campus, said Greg Fitts, MD, UTSW's special assistant to the president.
“2024 is going to be a great year. UT Southwestern is privileged to serve the health care needs of millions of our neighbors in North Texas. With the addition of the O’Donnell School of Public Health, we will welcome new faculty members. Dr. Omar and his team will greatly expand our capabilities in data science, epidemiology, implementation science, and many other areas so we can have an even greater impact on far more people. “It will be a natural partner for our existing programs and make us better. The results will improve the health and well-being of Texas and the rest of the world,” said Dr. Fitts.
