The School of Public Health has been making a difference in the health of communities and populations since its inception in 1996. Founded as the "School Without Walls," the school merged with Drexel in 2002, and today the Drexel University School of Public Health has become a national authority in promoting the health of communities.
During the past decade, the School of Public Health was graced – albeit all too briefly – with the deanship of humanitarian Jonathan Mann MD, MPH, who brought to the world’s attention the fundamental notion that improved health cannot be achieved without basic human rights. While Dr. Mann’s life ended far too early, the school carries on his philosophy, linking public health and human rights.
Dr. Marla J. Gold assumed the deanship four years ago, and has focused the majority of her efforts towards growing the school and achieving full accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Thanks to the hard work of Dean Gold and the school’s faculty and staff, the School of Public Health met every criteria for full accreditation this past November.
Indeed, it is a very exciting time at the Drexel School of Public Health!
Student enrollment has tripled in the past three years. The School of Public Health is known for its community-based approach and offers a robust Master’s degree in Public Health and a DrPH in Community Health and Prevention, with additional PhD, MS and DrPH degrees coming shortly. Students and faculty continue working in partnership with a myriad of community organizations and other Drexel University schools and programs.
In addition, research grants have quadrupled, community partnerships are stronger than ever, and the faculty has grown in number and breadth of focus. In fact, a faculty member recently became a prestigious MacArthur Fellow, and this month’s Journal of Health and Human Rights features two articles by faculty and students – a testament to the school’s commitment in carrying on the work of Dr. Mann.
The school’s growth has been clear, steady and dramatic. Today, the Drexel School of Public Health is the only school of public health in the Greater Philadelphia Region, and one of only 38 accredited schools nationwide.
As public health problems such as avian flu, rebuilding the Gulf Coast, tobacco use, inner city violence, and increases in the prevalence of autism and hunger continue to emerge, the Drexel School of Public Health stands poised to address the most pressing public health concerns.
The 10-year anniversary is a time to celebrate the Drexel School of Public Health’s accomplishments, as well as look ahead to many more decades as a "School Without Walls" and continue the legacy of linking public health and human rights.