School of Rural Public Health Dr. Sumaya named among most influential Hispanic leaders by Latino Leaders magazine

Ciro V. Sumaya, M.D., M.P.H.T.M., professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, has been named by Latino Leaders magazine as one of the 101 Most Influential Leaders nationwide in the Hispanic community.

“His record in helping Latinos overcome poor social and health conditions is second to none,” stated the magazine’s editors. “If he continues to serve the Latino community in the same way, he will become a true icon legend of the medical field.”
Dr. Sumaya is the founding dean (1997-2008) of the School of Rural Public Health. He currently serves as chairman of the National Hispanic Medical Association, member of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, and the board of directors of Ascension Health health care system.

Previously, he was a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, first serving as the administrator of the Health Resources and Service Administration and later as deputy assistant secretary of health. He also is a distinguished alumnus at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

“I am humbled by this distinction and thank the very many individuals that had a meaningful influence on my course in life,” Dr. Sumaya said.

School of Rural Public Health Rae Lynn Mitchell elected chair of communications for Association of Schools of Public Health

Rae Lynn Mitchell, director of communications and institutional advancement in the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, has been elected chair of the Marketing and Public Relations Council for the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) following its national annual meeting in Philadelphia.

“Rae Lynn has demonstrated dedication and thoughtfulness to her efforts on ASPH communications activities,” said Allison Foster, ASPH deputy director. “We are pleased that she was selected as chair of ASPH’s Marketing and Public Relations Council, and we look forward to her leadership.”

Prior to her current position, Mitchell taught public relations and media relations classes at Texas A&M University. She also served as communications director for the first Texas A&M capital campaign.

Texas Deans Met with State Health Services Commissioner to Discuss Academic-Practice Collaboration

Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, met Friday with Dean Roberta Ness of the University of Texas School of Public Health, Dean Richard Kurz of the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, and Dean Craig Blakely of Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health to discuss opportunities and review collaborative accomplishments as academic and practice partners in public health



Dr. Harrison Spencer, president and CEO of ASPH, attended the meeting and participated in the day’s discussions.This is the third year the deans of Texas’ schools of public health have met to take a unique approach to academic-practice collaboration. The group shared and collaborated on current projects and prospective activities in public health academic practice linkages.


[Photo caption (left to right): Dr. Harrison Spencer, Dean Richard Kurz, Dr. David Lakey, Dean Roberta Ness and Dean Craig Blakely]

SRPH Recruitment Videos

Click on the link below and see three videos of current students explaining why SRPH is a good place to be!

http://srph.tamhsc.edu/prospective-students/who-we-are/students.html

Merry Christmas from SRPH

Happy Holidays All!

We thought we would send along a small cheerful wish for a happy holiday season to all of our friends within and working closely with the School of Rural Public Health.

To the faculty and staff, I personally thank you for making this an enjoyable place to work. There is nothing better than to spend the day with colleagues invested in the same grand pursuits.

To the students, we seek to give you our greatest gift, the knowledge, skills and values to go forth and make your own health related contributions.

To our friends external to the school, we are pleased to include you among our extended family and wish to thank you for all you have done for the school and our students this year.

To all, may you have a happy and safe holiday season.

We look forward to continuing working closely with you in the new year.
Check out the SRPH E-Christmas Card:http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/fA6sRDdB5eQPaUS6

Dr. Phillips appointed to CPI executive committee

Charles Phillips, Ph.D., M.P.H., Regents Professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, recently was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Council of Principal Investigators (CPI), an elected body of research-active faculty from throughout The Texas A&M University System.

“Dr. Phillips is a very valuable member of the CPI Executive Committee, always ensuring that we consider issues from the HSC perspective,” said Nancy Amato, Ph.D., Executive Committee chair. “The principal investigators from the HSC could not ask for a better advocate.”

Representing faculty from the Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), AgriLife Research and Texas A&M University, the Council of Principal Investigators is committed to fostering the Texas A&M research community goal of being nationally recognized and competitive for research and teaching. The Executive Committee consists of 10 members and advises the chair on CPI activities.

SRPH In The News

Dr. Sumaya was quoted in the following news release by Health Day that received over 100 media hits.

Production problems plague delivery of H1N1 swine flu vaccine 10/24/2009 KFVS-TV - Online

Link to online news release: http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=11371618

Below are the recipients of awards from APHA. Congratulations Dr. Ory, Dr. Smith, Neila Mier, Scott Horel, Angie Wade, and Ross Larson

Recipient. Susan B. Anthony Aetna Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Public Health, 137th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 7-11, 2009, Philadelphia, PA (Authorship: Smith, Ory, Wade, Larsen).

Recipient. Erickson Foundation Award for Excellence in Research, 137th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 7-11, 2009, Philadelphia, PA (Authorship: Ory, Smith, Wade, Larsen).

Honorable Mention. Excellence in Aging and Rural Health Research Award, 137th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 7-11, 2009, Philadelphia, PA (Authorship: Smith, Ory, Wade, Sharkey, Wade, Horel, Mier).

Nominee. Betty J. Cleckley Minority Issues Research Award, 137th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 7-11, 2009, Philadelphia, PA (Authorship: Smith, Ory, Wade, Mier, Wade).

Dr. Sharkey will be serving on a scientific advisory panel next week on “Reducing Disparities in Diet Quality using Policy and Environmental Approaches.” This 2-day meeting was organized by the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.