Michael T. Halpern, MD Appointed as Founding Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Health Services Administration

The UT School of Public Health San Antonio is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael T. Halpern, MD, PhD, MPH, as the founding chair of the Department of Health Policy and Health Services Administration.

Dr. Halpern is an accomplished public health leader and researcher with a distinguished career spanning national institutions, academia and private-sector research organizations. He is renowned for driving applied research initiatives that inform policymaking, receiving funding for critical healthcare research and advocating for equitable access to high-quality, patient-centered medical care.

Before joining the UT School of Public Health San Antonio, Dr. Halpern served as a Medical Officer in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences Healthcare Delivery Research Program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). He was also a Collaborating Member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Principal Scientist at RTI International and Strategic Director for Health Services Research of the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Halpern received his MPH in Epidemiology, medical degree and PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. He also served on the faculties of the University of Arizona College of Public Health, the Temple University College of Public Health and the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Under Dr. Halpern’s leadership, the Health Policy and Health Services Administration department will train students in many disciplines, including health policy, healthcare disparities, health economics, global health, healthcare policies and organizations. Dr. Halpern will also serve as a member of the Population Science and Prevention Program at the Mays Cancer Center.