Dr. Rajaram named director of Center for Reducing Health Disparities

Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D. (Andrew E. Nelson, UNMC public relations)

Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., has accepted the position of director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health.

Dr. Rajaram, who has served as interim director of the center since January, started her new role in August.

Dr. Rajaram previously served as professor and chairwoman of the department of sociology/anthropology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“I’m honored to be selected to continue work within the College of Public Health and with our many community partners to reduce health disparities in urban and rural communities,” Dr. Rajaram said.

“Trained in medical sociology, Shireen brings an impressive history of research into reducing health disparities, along with a passionate commitment to achieving results in the community,” said Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch, M.D., M.P.H., new dean of the College of Public Health. “Her dedication to reducing health disparities is apparent in her tireless work in various Nebraska communities.

“I am confident that she will guide the center to achieve new goals in research, service and integrating the interests of community members with university researchers to improve health outcomes.”

More about Dr. Rajaram Dr. Rajaram earned her Ph.D. in sociology and a certificate in medical behavioral sciences from the University of Kentucky in 1993. She also has a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Rajaram hopes to raise awareness about the disproportionate number of uninsured, underinsured, rural or racial/ethnic patients whose lives are compromised each year because of health disparities.

“Only through a strong partnership between community members and academic research leaders is change possible,” Dr. Rajaram said.

Dr. Rajaram takes over for David Grandison, M.D., Ph.D., the center’s first director who left UNMC to pursue other professional opportunities.

In addition to her director role, Dr. Rajaram will be an associate professor in the College of Public Health’s Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health Department.