HERBERT WERTHEIM SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN LONGEVITY SCIENCE
The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego was established on Sept. 19, 2019 to leverage the university’s existing research strengths and building on a rich history of public health and preventive medicine to advance wellbeing and social justice for all. The founding of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health also elevates the university’s public health curriculum, as it cultivates the next generation of diverse public health professionals and leaders through innovative and transformational programs including a preventive medicine residency and bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The 2021 Annual Report is a window to the school’s strategic acumen and a look towards its discerning future.
Transforming Public Health
Leveraging its existing research strengths and building on a rich history of public health and preventive medicine, UC San Diego established the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science as the next logical step in the evolution of public health programs while also cultivating the next generation of public health leaders and making an impact in prevention.
Charting a Strategic Path
David A. Brenner, MD, Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences, outlines his vision for transforming public health at UC San Diego and the selection of a gifted leader who could change how we understand health equity and how we think about our community’s health.
The Promise of Public Health
Cheryl A.M. Anderson, PhD, founding dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, describes how the school’s first year, and perhaps its future, was shaped by the university’s vision and unanticipated events including the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-racism movements.
21st Century Science
UC San Diego has a rich history of embracing collaboration to prevent disease and advance scientific discovery, dissemination and implementation. And, by encouraging collaboration over competition, the newly established Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science is transforming the university’s ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to contemporary public health challenges.
Educating Outside the Box
With seven education programs, the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science is cultivating the next generation of diverse public health professionals and leaders through innovative and transformational education programs including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as a preventive medicine residency.
Built to Serve
At the heart of public health is protecting and improving the health of entire communities. As the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science was being primed for its first academic year, the school was ready to address health behaviors responsible for the most common chronic diseases. But the school quickly pivoted tackling more pressing issues, like the COVID-19 pandemic that overwhelmed communities, using a 21st century approach to public health.
Division Highlights
When the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science was established on Sept. 19, 2019, programs were categorized into five divisions. While these divisions may focus on a particular discipline, the range of academic programs are multidisciplinary. Here we highlight the accomplishments of the divisions for the school’s first academic year – ’20-’21.
Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego began its first academic year in October 2020 with a core mission of “radical hospitality and inclusivity,” centering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in its approach to public health research, education, and service.
