2020

New Study Examines Loneliness, Mental Health, and Substance Use among U.S. Young Adults during COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic converged with the loneliness and addiction epidemics in the United States this year, public health and mental health experts forecast increases in substance use and mental health conditions.

UM Begins Second COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial

Physician-researchers with the Miller School of Medicie have begun a new Phase 3 clinical trial to test another investigational vaccine for COVID-19. Part of a large-scale international trial in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the clinical trial to test the Janssen vaccine is the Miller School's second in human study of its kind.

COVID-19 Lessons from Peru and Argentina

The University of Miami Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas held a webinar that focused on the COVID-19 outbreaks in Latin America- the region has become the epicenter of the pandemic, accounting for a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths globally. The webinar provided an overview of the social, political and economic factors contributing to the spread of the virus.

More Green Spaces Can Help Boost Air Quality, Reduce Heart Disease Deaths

Data presented by University of Miami Miller School of Medicine researchers shows that green spaces— trees, shrubs and grasses— can improve air quality and may lower heart disease deaths, according to the team's preliminary research, which will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2020.

Study Reveals Barriers and Facilitators Faced by African American Caregivers of Children with Asthma

A study— published in the November issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing and led by the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies and the Miller School of Medicine— emphasizes that nurses are well-positioned to impact African American caregivers and children with asthma. It also emphasizes that it is imperative for nurses to be aware of the challenges faced by caregivers, as well as by the children, so that appropriate assessment, education, and referrals be provided.

Celebrating 10 Hispanic Pioneers in Medicine

Julio Frenk, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., president of the University of Miami and faculty in the Department of Public Health Sciences, was one of the 10 Hispanic pioneers in medicine recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The inspiring leaders have launched advances in medicine and research that led to Nobel Prizes, life-changing cures, and better care for millions of people.

Physician Specialty Influences Clinical Trial Participation, Study Finds

In a recently published Clinical Trials study, Jared Silberlust, a 4th-year M.D./M.P.H. candidate at the Miller School of Medicine, in collaboration with other experts at the Miller School, found that patients seen at specialty care clinics at a large academic center were significantly more likely to consent to be contacted for research than patients seen at primary care departments.

The Empowering Capable Climate Communicators Symposium

The Empowering Capable Climate Communicators Symposium— held in partnership with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the CLEO Institute— took place virtualy from November 19 to 21, 2020. The symposium covered various topics including the climate's health, how it's impacting human health, and what we can to protect ourselves and mitigate the climate crisis.

Climate-Driven Atlantic Hurricanes and COVID-19 Transmission: Mitigating between the Concurrent Threats

Dr. James Shultz and a group of multidisciplinary experts discuss the complexities for addressing the threats of climate-driven Atlantic hurricanes and COVID-19 transmission. Recommendations for addressing both threats are outlined in the paper, including adapting community and in-home sheltering to COVID-19 and educating the public.

COVID-19 in the Americas: Countries and Context Webinar

Dr. Felicia Knaul, director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of the Americas and faculty at the Department of Public Health Sciences, moderated a discussion on the COVID-19 situation and outlook in Latin America. Former ministers of health, Dr. Patricia Garcia and Dr. Adolfo Rubinstein, from Peru and Argentina participated in the discussion.

UM Entomologist Shares Insight on South Florida’s West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever Cases

Dr. John Beier and Dr. Andre Wilke share important insights in a Q&A session on actions that can be taken to prevent the transmission of vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and dengue, through infected mosquitoes. The symptoms and treatment for the diseases is also discussed.

Orthopaedic Trauma Units Across the Globe Greatly Impacted by COVID-19, Study Finds

The study, published in the journal International Orthopaedics, includes the largest data set characterizing global COVID-19 situations and responses of orthopaedic trauma practices from around the world.

Why Brazil is now the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic

Latin America has 51 percent of daily global deaths due to COVID-19, even though it holds only 9 percent of the population. Brazil has 22 percent of global deaths (53,985 deaths), second to the United States.

Experts Discuss a Potential Global Public Health Convention in University of Miami-Led Advisory Meeting

The convention would identify the principles on which to build a process and mechanism for increasing global health security against the spread of infectious diseases, as well as to improve infectious disease pandemic preparedness and rapid response.

Researchers Examine the Impacts of COVID-19 on Loneliness and Mental Health

The study is one of 24 University of Miami COVID-19 related projects that received rapid response grants for areas of research that will provide information about the effects of the pandemic.

Strategies to Help the Hard of Hearing during COVID-19 Precautions

Amid COVID-19, audiology and public health experts from the Hispanic Hearing Healthcare Access Coalition strongly recommend that communities take special measures to stay connected with the hard-of-hearing. Experts suggest ten simple, but effective strategies that can boost communication during this time of wearing masks and beyond.

Statement of Commitment

The Department of Public Health Sciences repudiates the racism and disregard for human lives our nation witnessed and experienced with the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd at the hands of police.

University of Miami Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

UM continues to take proactive measures - following the guidance of public health and government agencies - to safeguard the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and the larger community.

Miller School of Medicine Magazine Publishes Special Issue on Response to COVID-19

The special report highlights the groundbreaking efforts of Miller School of Medicine researchers to control the spread of the virus from the perspectives of both basic science and public health.

New Grant Targets Global Health Protection Against the Spread of Infectious Diseases

The Department of Public Health Sciences and the AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami will be starting a collaboration to promote international coordination on global public health matters, such as infectious disease outbreaks. Dr. Jorge Saavedra and Dr. Jose Szapocznik will be leading the efforts on behalf of the University of Miami.

Infectious Disease and Public Health Experts Weigh in on the Coronavirus Disease 2019

Dr. Gio Baracco, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the Miami VA Healthcare System and professor at the Miller School of Medicine, provided insight on the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. Dr. Jose Szapocznik, Ph.D., chair emeritus and professor of public health, also provided input during a Q&A session.

Experts Develop Observatory to Help COVID-19 in Mexico

Experts from University of Miami in collaboration with organizations in the U.S. and top researchers from Mexico have created the State-Level Observatory for the Containment of COVID-19. The new tool presents an overview of the public policies implemented by each state in Mexico and the level of mobility of the population in response to the safety measures.

U-TRACE Initiative to Address COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

University of Miami Miller of Medicine has established the U-TRACE program as a means to identify and manage new cases of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of the faculty, staff and students of the University of Miami community.

Sylvester Researchers Collaborate with County to Provide Important COVID-19 Answers

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have launched a new community surveillance program for COVID-19 called Surveillance Program Assessing Risk and Knowledge of Coronavirus (SPARK-C). The research team will be collecting and analyzing data, which will provide valuable information regarding infection in the community.

UM Experts to Study the Impacts of COVID-19 on Medical Cannabis Users

Public health researchers will be working on a new study in collaboration with Dr. Denise Vidot, assistant professor the University of Miami, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the Office of Hemispheric and Global Affairs. The study will focus on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on medical cannabis users.

A message from President Julio Frenk to staff at UHealth

University of Miami President Julio Frenk addresses staff at UHealth, serving on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

University experts tackle multiple questions surrounding the coronavirus

Dr. Jose Szapocznik, professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Public Health Sciences, and Dr. Jose G. Castro, professor of clinical medicine in the division of infectious disease at the Miller School of Medicine, share insights on the coronavirus outbreak in a Q&A session with News@TheU.

Student garners reflections on the importance of public health

Renae Schmidt, in her second year of the Master of Public Health Program, finds an innovative way to express frontline workers’ thoughts on issues facing our community.

Meth Use and HIV Create Perfect Storm for COVID-19 Transmission

Methamphetamine use and HIV could create a double jeopardy for COVID-19 pandemic among men who have sex with men, according to a newly published editorial by Dr. Adam W. Carrico, a prolific public health scientist at the Miller School of Medicine.

Dr. Felicia Knaul Weighs in on the Importance of Palliative Care in the Time of COVID-19

Dr. Knaul, who is director of the Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas and professor at the Department of Public Health Sciences, has been a long-time advocate for worldwide palliative care. In the time of COVID-19, Dr. Knaul weighed in on the importance of palliative care in tackling the pandemic.

Mindfulness During Uncertain Times

Dr. David J. Lee, professor at the Department of Public Health Sciences, recorded mindfulness practices drawn from a program called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for the UM community and general public. Participate from the comfort of your home. 

Study Analyzes Risk Behavior and Syringe Coverage among participants accessing the IDEA Exchange

Public health researchers with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine recently authored a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy that provides important comparative data on the differences in demographic characteristics among users, risk behaviors, and syringe coverage among people who inject drugs.

The Miami-Dade Mosquito Control Division Visits the Department of Public Health Sciences

The Miami-Dade Mosquito Control Division gave a lecture at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences, where graduate students had the opportunity to interact with professionals and learn from their real-world experiences. Students also learned more about the challenges to control vector mosquitoes in Miami.

University of Miami School of Education and Human Development Leads Panel on Tackling the Opioid Epidemic

The University of Miami School of Education and Human Development held a panel to discuss efforts to combat the opioid epidemic from a variety of perspectives and industries. The panel featured Dr. Viviana Horigian, associate professor of public health, and Tyler Bartholomew, a Ph.D. in Prevention Science and Community Health candidate, from the Department of Public Health Sciences.

WLRN: In Coronavirus Storm, Latin America & Caribbean A Sea Of Relative Calm. Will It Last?

Dr. Hermes Florez from the Department of Public Health Sciences interviews with WLRN regarding the coronavirus outbreak in Latin America. The discussion focuses on health systems, risk factors, and the development of COVID-19 in the region.

Miller School Student Named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ List for Program Addressing Health Disparities

Forbes magazine recently named Annette Grotheer, an M.D./M.P.H. candidate at the Miller School of Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences, to its "30 Under 30" list in the health care category. Grotheer, who is committed to addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for African American men, founded The Shop Docs in 2016. The nonprofit, which began as her M.P.H. capstone project, brings health education and screenings to barbershops in African-American Neighborhoods.

Statement of Commitment

Join us as we challenge the systemic and structural barriers that support racism and social injustice.

Temporary tattoos mark, target human trafficking

Students from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine design a high-profile tattoo to create awareness of human trafficking during Super Bowl weekend in Miami-Dade County. The tattoo shows the image of a broken barcode, which symbolizes that no child or person is available for sale.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with us! UM Department of Public Health Sciences Open

Join us on February 27, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Shalala Student Center, Activities Room South (Room 306). You'll have the chance to engage with students, alumni, and faculty and learn more about our Graduate Programs’ admissions process. Reserve your spot today.