USC’s Department of Population and Public Health Sciences: A Leading Force in Global Health Research and Education

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, highlighting the significant impact it has had in the field of population and public health. The report showcases the work of staff, faculty, students, and alumni in making meaningful contributions to communities both locally and globally.

One notable achievement is that the Department maintained its #2 ranking in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), enabling groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, genetics, disease, maternal and child health, and environmental health. Research teams made important discoveries and received recognition, with one investigator, Marlena Fezjo, PhD, being named one of Time Magazine’s ‘Women of the Year’ for 2024. Faculty engaged in scientific testimonies in political settings and collaborated with communities to translate research into practical health outcomes.

The achievements of students, alumni, and education programs were also celebrated in the report. The Master of Public Health program received a perfect score and re-accreditation for seven years from the Council on Education in Public Health, reflecting the Department’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Students and alumni received prestigious awards while faculty were acknowledged for their expertise and leadership.

Howard Hu, MD