UAB School of Public Health

As part of her MPH internship at the UAB School of Public Health, Kate Bryan partnered with the Hoover Senior Center to expand brain health education and support for older adults across Alabama. Through community engagement, resource development, and health promotion, her work highlights the impact public health professionals can have in helping communities age well.

Read more about Kate’s experience and impact: https://r4phtc.org/kate-bryan-expands-support-for-senior-adults-through-brain-health-education-in-alabama/

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lisa McCormick on being named a University Professor at UAB!

This prestigious distinction recognizes Dr. McCormick’s outstanding contributions to public health education, practice, research, and workforce development. As Senior Associate Dean for Academics and Practice in the UAB School of Public Health, she has played a vital role in preparing the next generation of public health leaders while strengthening public health systems across Alabama and the Southeast.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the impact Dr. McCormick continues to make on our school, our university, and the communities we serve.

Congratulations, Dr. McCormick!

Read more: https://www.uab.edu/reporter/people-of-uab/14-uab-faculty-members-elevated-to-distinguished-and-university-professorships

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Matt Fifolt on his appointment to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice!

Dr. Fifolt’s dedication to strengthening public health through research, evaluation, and community impact continues to make a difference across Alabama and beyond. We’re excited to see him bring his expertise to this national leadership role.

Congratulations, Dr. Fifolt!

Journal Announcement: https://jphmpdirect.com/welcoming-new-recently-appointed-editorial-board-members/

Final day in Seville, and we went all in. From learning how Spain’s healthcare system prioritizes access and prevention to exploring Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, this experience brought public health to life in ways we will never forget. Spain’s system, largely funded through taxes and designed to provide care at little to no cost at the point of use, reflects a strong commitment to population health and equity. 

Walking through the ICU, learning about patient-centered spaces like the Balcony of Hope, and seeing innovation in action at the BioBank reminded us that healthcare is as much about compassion and humanity as it is about science.
Grateful for the lessons, the people, and the perspective we are taking back to Alabama. 

Read more in our blog! https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/06/02/the-spanish-healthcare-system/

Celebrating Kalea Jones from the UAB School of Public Health as part of the AJPH Student Editor Apprenticeship Program! This newly expanded initiative provides students with hands-on experience in the peer-review process and helps strengthen the future public health workforce.

We are proud to see Kalea representing UAB SOPH among this national cohort and gaining valuable experience in advancing public health research and scholarship. Congratulations, Kalea!

Did you know that Seville’s Real Alcázar was once the financial and bureaucratic engine of the Spanish Empire’s global explorations? It’s where Christopher Columbus met with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella after his first transatlantic voyage. It was incredible to walk the very same halls today!

Check out our blog to learn more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/27/sevilles-royal-roots-inside-the-real-alcazar/

Following nearly eight years of leadership at the UAB School of Public Health, Paul Erwin, M.D., DrPH, has announced plans to retire as dean as of Sept. 30, 2026. Erwin has led the school to new heights since taking the reins in 2018, expanding academic programs, growing the faculty and staff, and elevating its national profile. A nationwide search for the next dean of the UAB School of Public Health will begin soon.

Read more here:

UAB School of Public Health Dean Erwin to retire UAB School of Public Health Dean Erwin to retire

Walking through history in Córdoba!

We spent the day exploring how this incredible city became a crossroads of cultures, where Islamic, Christian, and Jewish histories beautifully intertwine. From the breathtaking layers of architecture inside the Mosque-Cathedral to learning about ancient Roman infrastructure and the city’s protector, Saint Raphael, it’s amazing to see how deeply history, culture, and community health are connected.

Read more about our day in Córdoba: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/26/walking-through-history-in-cordoba/

Seville days = public health, but make it hands-on.

From meeting with local organizations to giving back in the community, students got a real look at how health shows up in everyday life. Plus, learning about the Mediterranean diet hits different when you’re actually cooking it yourself!

Exploring, learning, eating… not a bad classroom!

Read more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/25/seville-exploration/