From the Chair
Edgar Berman Professor and Chair David Peters
One of the strengths of our academic program is its network of institutions and individuals that reaches around the world. In just the past 5 years, our students have worked in more than 75 countries with over 350 organizations. From conducting original research in the field to internships at ministries of health, I’m always impressed by the variety of topics our students pursue and by the places they end up.
International Health faculty deserve immense credit for creating and maintaining this network, which opens up opportunities for students. An example I’m particularly proud of is the Program in Applied Vaccine Experiences, or PAVE. Created by Professor Ruth Karron in 2010, this internship placement program matches Bloomberg School students with leading global health agencies, including the WHO headquarters in Geneva and the CDC in Atlanta. You can learn more about the program and meet one of its alumni in articles in this issue.
I’m also continually impressed by the achievement of our faculty and students. You can read about a small selection of them in this issue. But, I’d like to mention one additional case. After an extensive international search, our own Dr. Kawsar Talaat was selected as the inaugural Clayton D. Harro Faculty Development Chair, which is based in the Department. The endowed chair was established in memory of Dr. Clayton Harro, faculty in the Department and Director of the Enteric Vaccine Evaluation Unit at our Center for Immunization Research. Dr. Harro was a tremendous leader and researcher. Dr. Talaat is the perfect choice to honor his legacy.
And finally, congratulations to our 2018 graduates. Over 20 dissertations were defended successfully and more than 60 master’s degrees were awarded. International Health alumni are one of our greatest assets in the effort to help the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people improve their health and well-being.
David Peters, MD, MPH ‘89, DrPH ’93
Edgar Berman Professor and Chair
Department of International Health
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health