Improving our health starts a long time before we get sick. Social Impact Pioneer Dr. Jan Carney has dedicated her career to public health – tackling the biggest morbidity and mobility issues society faces on a scale that makes a big difference to all our well-being.
Listen in to learn how to make positive social impacts at scale as Jan shares tried and tested community and society scale wellbeing behaviour change.
Jan, a prominent figure in public health, serves as the Associate Dean for Public Health and Health Policy and Professor of Medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. With a comprehensive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Biology/French/Premedical Studies from Middlebury College, a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and a Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Carney has dedicated her career to improving public health through education, research, and policy.
Public health, as Jan explains, differs significantly from mainstream medicine. It is not just about treating individuals one at a time but involves a holistic approach to improve health at the community and population levels. Her approach involves understanding and implementing the social determinants of health, such as nutrition, housing, and education, which play a crucial role in maintaining public health.
During her tenure as Commissioner of Health in Vermont, Jan spearheaded several initiatives that dramatically improved public health outcomes, including increased access to healthcare, reduced infant mortality, and decreased tobacco use among teens. These achievements were made possible through collaborations with a diverse range of professionals across healthcare and social services.
Jan’s current focus is on educating the next generation of public health leaders, emphasising the importance of community partnerships and policy advocacy. She remains actively involved with various national organisations, advocating for increased public health funding and integrating public health perspectives into broader healthcare and policy discussions.
In an era marked by challenges such as misinformation and the need for greater health literacy, Jan’s work exemplifies the critical role of public health professionals in fostering a healthier society through education, prevention, and strategic collaborations.
Links:
The University of Vermont Master of Public Health program
Carney, J.K. (2021): A History of Public Health: From Past to Present, Book available
Carney, J.K. (2015): Controversies in Public Health and Health Policy, Book available
If you liked this podcast, do join us at the Global Goals Summit 2024 Apply code BFPGGS24 or your free online pass.
