The field of public health focuses on improving the quality of life and wellness of others. It may involve careers in medicine, which help prevent and treat diseases, community development work, family planning, and other disciplines that promote better living conditions for the world. To understand more about this area of study, here are five of the most influential people in public health.
Vivek H. Murthy
Vivek Murthy is the Surgeon General of the United States. In the position of “America’s Doctor,” he leads the USPHS Commissioned Corps, which has more than 6,000 uniformed health officers throughout the world working to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of all individuals.
Before attaining the job as Surgeon General, Murthy joined Harvard Medical School as an internal medicine physician and instructor. Besides performing clinical duties, he co-founded VISIONS, an education program that teaches about HIV/AIDS.
During his tenure as Surgeon General, Murthy plans to focus on obesity and tobacco-related diseases. Also, he hopes to increase vaccination rates and lower society’s negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Andrew Bastawrous
Andrew Bastawrous is an ophthalmologist who wants to combat eye diseases and preventable blindness through smartphone technology. After experiencing first-hand the medical challenges in communities across the world, he co-created a mobile app and clip-on device called PEEK. This unit stores personal information for each patient and diagnoses visual impairments and blindness and may detect brain tumors. Thanks to its wireless technology, it can be used in a wide variety of settings, including remote locations or local hospitals. This means it works well in low income areas where traditional examination methods are not possible.
Blake Mycoskie
One of the most comfortable and fashionable footwear comes with the “TOMS” label. Blake Mycoskie, founder of the shoe company, has done much more than provide canvas slip-ons to the public. Through his “One for One” marketing campaign, this entrepreneur and philanthropist has donated over 10 million shoes to people in need. Currently, his “TOMS Roasting Co.” donates a week’s worth of water to impoverished countries for each bag of coffee sold. Along with these public health measures, Mycoskie is trying to inspire others to give back and help individuals in need of basic life necessities.
Charles Lyons
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation leads the world in the fight to end this disease in children. Since its inception, there has been a 95 percent decrease in new pediatric infections within the United States. Thanks to breakthroughs in science and medicine, Charles Lyons, President and CEO of the non-profit organization, has the goal to bring this number to zero cases.
Before working with EGAF, his dedication to public health was evident. He helped begin the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization. He also served on the Human Rights Watch Health and Human Health Rights Advisory Committee.
Larry Merlo
Larry Merlo is President and CEO of CVS Health. This company helps over 100 million customers through its retail pharmacies, walk-in clinics, and other specialty pharmaceutical services. Under his leadership, the company is trying to deliver breakthrough medical innovations that help communities manage health in an effective and affordable manner. In 2014, he asserted his commitment to public heath by making the landmark choice to be the first major retail pharmacy to stop selling tobacco products. He is working on a national program that helps smokers quit the habit as well. Through his initiative, the Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged CVS for its contributions to a society striving to be tobacco-free.
When a person enters the field of public health, he or she may be employed by non-profit organizations, the government, or the medical industry. This person may be an inventor, entrepreneur, or philanthropist as well. No matter the career, each individual tries to make human life as healthy as possible and leaves an indelible mark on society.
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