About the Population Health Spotlight Series

Hosted annually during the fall and spring months by Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, this 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.

Our 2024-25 Theme: "Infectious Disease: Prevention, Prediction, and Perspectives"

Throughout the academic year, invited speakers discussed the state of infectious disease science, drivers for emerging infections, and advances in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.

In addition to a lecture, each event included opportunities for interested students, faculty, and teams to meet in small groups with the speaker.

Read a roundup of this year's series: Spotlight On Infectious Disease Prevention, Prediction, and Perspectives

The 2024-25 Population Health Spotlight 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.

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

Themes In Recent Years

"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."

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.