LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 5, 2024) — The 2024 John P. Wyatt, M.D., Environment and Health Symposium was held on Thursday, April 4, in the J. David Rosenberg School of Law Grand Courtroom on the University of Kentucky campus. Wyatt His symposium honors the work of Dr. John P. Wyatt and his pioneering environmental clinical research on air pollution and lung pathology.
Universities and institutions from across the state came together to present research and practices focused on Kentucky's environment and its impact on health. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton signed a proclamation recognizing April as John P. Wyatt, M.D., Environmental and Health Awareness Month.
“Thanks to many pioneering leaders like Dr. John P. Wyatt, Lexington is the regional center for health care and agriculture in the commonwealth,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “We are now working to educate a new generation of leaders, raise awareness about environmental public health issues, and ensure a healthy environment for many years to come.”
“We are thrilled that Mayor Gorton has declared April as Environment and Health Month,” said symposium organizer Dr. Erin Haynes, Kurt W. Deuschle Professor of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health and Director of the British Environment Center. Stated. “This recognizes the continued commitment of the Wyatt family to sponsor the symposium and celebrate the significant contributions of those who positively impact public health through environmental research and advocacy. Yes, it is extremely important.”
The annual symposium is made possible through the generous support of the John P. Wyatt family and a special gift from his son, Philip Wyatt. Dr. John P. Wyatt was one of the first physicians to link air pollution to lung disease, and from 1974 he was director of the British Institute for Tobacco and Health Research until 1980.
Arthur Frank, M.D., professor and professor emeritus of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, gave the keynote address. Frank founded the Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health in the UK where he taught for 11 years.
Click here to learn more about this year's symposium.
