San Antonio Public Health Schools’ Commitment to Public Health Highlighted in "The Invisible Shield" Screening
UT School of Public Health San Antonio and UT Health Houston School of Public Health San Antonio recently hosted a screening of "The Invisible Shield," a PBS documentary series that delves into the world of public health and its impact on saving lives. The documentary highlights the efforts of various professionals in the field, such as physicians, nurses, scientists, and government officials, and how their work has contributed to increasing life expectancy and preventing diseases.
The second episode of the series, titled "Follow the Data," was shown to attendees. It emphasizes the significance of data collection and analysis in making informed decisions that ultimately improve public health. The event was moderated by Tracey Barnett, PhD, Chair of the Quantitative and Qualitative Health Sciences Department at UT School of Public Health San Antonio, and Aubree Shay, PhD, Associate Professor at UT Health Houston School of Public Health San Antonio.
During the panel discussion, experts discussed the challenges of regaining public trust in government regarding health information and vaccines. Carol Huber, DrPH, Chief Public Health Innovation and Equity Officer at University Health, stressed the importance of transparent and accurate communication with the public and the need for government to actively engage with communities and address their concerns.
Cristina Barroso, DrPH, Chair of the Behavior, Health, and Society Department at the UT School of Public Health San Antonio, spoke about the interconnection between individual health and overall well-being. She emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities to promote economic stability.
Premal Patel, MD, Director of the MD/MPH Program at the UT School of Public Health San Antonio, discussed the role of data in patient care and how it can inform treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
John Herbold, DVM, MPH Advisor at the UT Health Houston School of Public Health San Antonio, shared examples of how data has been used to inform public health policies and interventions, such as vaccination programs and initiatives to tackle emerging health threats.
The event provided attendees with valuable insights into the contributions of public health and the importance of using data to drive positive change. The documentary also shed light on the underfunding, undervaluation, and misunderstanding of public health, which are critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the continued success of public health efforts.
The event was organized by the Community Engagement and Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs Departments at the UT School of Public Health San Antonio, with leadership from Inez Cruz, PhD, and Emmanuel Iyiegbuniwe, PhD.