About the Population Health Spotlight Series

Hosted annually during the fall and spring months by Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, the Population Health Spotlight Speaker series is an opportunity to hear about exciting public health research and practice happening locally, nationally, and globally with a focus on improving population health and eliminating health disparities.

How Do We Talk About Public Health in a World of Misinformation and Rapid Change?

Our 2025-2026 theme is "The Next Public Health: Rethinking Health Communication for a Changing World."

Over this academic year, our distinguished speakers are sharing strategies, challenges, and innovations for communicating health information effectively amidst uncertainty and change.

With misinformation, uncertainty, and discord shaping public discourse, effective communication has never been more critical. This year’s series is bringing leading voices in health communication to present their research, experiences, and insights on how to foster trust, convey evidence, and engage diverse audiences.

The series features thought-provoking talks, interactive discussions, and opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to connect with speakers in smaller group settings.

Each event supports one credit hour towards National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) Certified in Public Health (CPH) continuing education credit.

Population Health Themes In Recent Years

"Spotlight On Infectious Disease Prevention, Prediction, and Perspectives" was the theme of the Dornsife School of Public Health 2024-25 Population Health Spotlight series. The series was a collaboration between Dornsife and Drexel’s College of Medicine. The series was funded in part by the Dr. Elias “Eli” Abrutyn Memorial Lecture Fund. Dr. Abrutyn (1940 – 2007) was an infectious disease expert and former associate provost and associate dean of academic affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine.

"Health Equity and LGBTQ+ Health" was the theme of the Dornsife School of Public Health's 2023-24 Population Health Spotlight series. Many structural and systemic factors impact the health of LGBTQ+ people, creating health-related challenges and disparities. Recent legislative actions across the United States have further amplified these impacts and have highlighted the need to address LGBTQ health as a core component of population health and health equity. Invited speakers discussed a range of pressing issues related to LGBTQ health and discuss implications for policies and action.

In 2022-23 Dornsife welcomed experts from across the field of public health to speak on the theme of "Public Health at a Crossroads." The series explored challenges in addressing emerging and ongoing threats to population health, rethinking public health approaches to address threats to health and health equity, and important lessons from the pandemic.

Who Should Attend the Population Health Spotlight Series?

The Population Health Spotlight Series is open to everyone. Those welcome to attend include:

• All faculty, students and staff in the Drexel University community
• Professionals from community-based organizations and government agencies involved in public health-related activities
• Media professionals who write about pressing public health concerns
• Individuals interested in the urban and global health more broadly

Learn more about all upcoming events at the Dornsife School of Public Health.