Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, was elected to serve a four-year term on the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association at the 140th Annual Meeting and Exposition two weeks ago in San Francisco.
This is the first time in many years that a member of APHA Region VII, that includes Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas, has been elected to the 24-member Executive Board.
“This is a great honor for me, our region and our college. I am dedicated to growing the public health system in Nebraska,” Dr. El-Mohandes said, noting that his membership on the executive board should increase the national standing of the UNMC College of Public Health among researchers, practitioners and potential students.
Rita Parris, executive director of the Public Health Association of Nebraska, said that for more than 15 years Dr. El-Mohandes has given numerous presentations, submitted many abstracts and has served on the Committee for Women’s Rights in the APHA. “He has shown extensive leadership in the field of public health as a practitioner and through research and education,” she said.
The APHA is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. Members represent a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities.
Students, faculty, and staff from the UNMC College of Public Health also participated in the San Francisco meeting. The research of eight students and 19 faculty and staff was selected by peer-review for presentation.
Ketki Patel, M.D., a graduate student in epidemiology, won the prestigious Best Student poster award in the APHA Environment Section along with a scholarship that will help with membership, travel and other expenses. Dr. Patel’s pilot study was on molecular techniques used to assess bioaerosol exposure.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.