Unlikely Partnerships Shaping the Future of Public Health

Some of the most vital contributions to public health now come from far outside traditional sectors. New actors from industry, technology, and philanthropy actively pursue partnerships with researchers, providers, insurers, and health educators to advance public health. These partnerships are helping advance the notable gains made in population health over the past 30 years.

To optimize understanding across CUMC of the potential for these partnerships, Mailman School Dean Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH, is focusing this year’s Dean’s Grand Rounds on novel ideas emerging from these sectors. The goal of this year’s Grand Round series, “NextGen Population Health,” is to raise visibility for new solutions and set a new place—any new places—at the table.

The spring line-up begins Jan. 28 with a discussion of new digital tools and the evolving role of technology in population health. Dennis Schmuland, MD, chief health strategy officer at Microsoft, will talk on “The Role of Digital Health in Population Health.” In one study Dr. Schmuland cites, games involving physical activity played on an Xbox led to weight loss in overweight children. “Healthy living is hard, and we have to make it easier, fun, and more of the social norm,” says Dr. Schmuland.

The Dean’s Grand Rounds series is open to the entire CUMC community. Presentations begin at 4 p.m. in P&S Alumni Auditorium, followed by audience Q&A and a reception. Upcoming speakers will look at population health through the lens of public policy, environmental health, and nutrition. Grand Rounds will open the Mailman School’s month-long focus on obesity prevention in April, with nutrition policy expert Marion Nestle from NYU.

If you cannot attend in person, you can watch Grand Rounds on Livestream, where you also can comment and ask questions. Archived Grand Rounds are available on the Mailman School’s YouTube channel.