YEREVAN, Armenia – On September 10, 2019, the Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) organized a public health seminar titled “21st Century Public Health Challenges: Your Role and Responsibility.” The seminar was led by Dr. Myron Allukian Jr., DDS, MPH, past president of the American Public Health Association. He is currently president of the Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health, and vice chair of the Oral Health Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations. He also has served as the City of Boston Dental Director for 34 years; he was the chairman of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Work Group on Fluoridation and Dental Health for the 1990 Prevention Objectives for the Nation, and as Dental Advisory Committees for Healthy People 2000, 2010, and 2020, the National Prevention Objectives.
The public health seminar reviewed the current public health challenges and the role of the social determinants of health in changing societies. Dr. Allukian discussed the impact that health care systems, new technologies, the Internet, social media and big business have on a population’s health. He emphasized what public health professionals must do to have viable policies and programs to help communities and vulnerable populations achieve better health outcomes.
“You can only have sustained change if you work with your colleagues, your community and its leaders, multidisciplinary agencies and organizations while being responsive to the needs of those you are helping in the community,” noted Dr. Allukian, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Dr. Allukian’s presentation was followed by a very active Q&A session including questions on adopting the Canadian health care system in the U.S. and the Affordable Care Act.
The video recording of the seminar can be accessed on AUA SPH YouTube Channel.
The AUA Turpanjian School of Public Health works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of public health professionals to be leaders in public health, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.