Dear Alumni and Friends,
As the newly appointed Dean of the School of Public Health, it is an honor and a privilege to address you through this Dean's Letter for the first time. My name is Adam L. Aréchiga, and I am eager to continue to inform you about our school and remain connected with you each quarter.
Having spent over 15 years at Loma Linda University, I am deeply committed to our school's mission, vision, and values. I have served this institution as the associate dean for academic and student affairs at the School of Behavioral Health for six years. With extensive experience in psychology and public health, working as a psychologist and director of clinical training for the Department of Psychology, I bring a diverse background and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Wow, what a time in history to take the reins of this incredible school. Public Health is central to the mission of Loma Linda University and is needed more than ever before by our communities and our world. In the united states we are dying of chronic illnesses and our attempts at using health education and public service announcements have not worked. Life expectancy in this country is declining for the first time in decades. The pandemic has shown us that basic public health should not be taken for granted. Science has repeatedly demonstrated that the resilience of our communities is tied to the public health of those very communities. Increasingly healthcare is seen through the lens of Whole Person Care. This is a wholistic view of healthcare that looks at individuals as the sum of, and inseparable of their individual parts. In science we have talked about the BioPsychoSocial model since the 70s. Increasingly, researchers are acknowledging Spirituality as another inseparable facet of our health. Public Health’s role is to address those challenges in the community that either contribute to disease (e.g., social determinants of health), or facilitate wellness. I am excited as I look to the future and wonder how SPH can partner with our communities to solve our most concerning challenges. The profession of Public Health is being called upon like never before, and the SPH is up to the challenge. I look forward to starting this journey with all of you.
Alumni Spotlight
SPH Alumni, Dr. Kara Zografos, graduated in 2007 from our Doctorate of Public Health, Health Education program with a concentration in Epidemiology. She holds Loma Linda University School of Public Health dear to her heart and strongly supports the SPH mission to promote holistic well-being. Driven by her passion and expertise in education and public health, she has found her true calling in leadership positions within the field of education. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Zografos for her outstanding accomplishments and recent appointment as the Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at California State University Fresno.
School Updates
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates about our School of Public Health. With great pride, I announce that Loma Linda University School of Public Health has been ranked #55 in public health by U.S. News & World Report in its annual ranking of top graduate schools. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students.
Faculty Involvement
I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of Dr. Ryan Sinclair, MPH, DrPH, a faculty member here at Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Sinclair is leading a vital study that delves into the complex environmental and health challenges the communities surrounding California's Salton Sea face. We strive to unravel these challenges through his dedication and identify practical solutions for a sustainable future.
Commencement Recap
As we celebrate the recent commencement, I would like to congratulate all our 83 graduates and thank the hard work our faculty and staff put in to make this event memorable for our graduates. Your hard work, resilience, and public health commitment are commendable. We are proud to have you as part of our School of Public Health family and we wish you great success in your future endeavors.
Careers in Public Health 2023
Our first organized in-person Careers in Public Health event since 2019 was a success. With 18 eager attendees, we look forward to continuing to guide prospective students through the admissions process, helping them embark on their journey within the School of Public Health.
Conclusion
I am honored to lead this esteemed institution and work alongside such dedicated individuals passionate about improving health and well-being in our communities. Together, we will continue to advance our mission of keeping man whole and transforming lives through education, research, and service. I commend you for all the hard work you continue to do in public health.
I am committed to ensuring we highlight you, our alumni, each quarter in our alumni highlight section to spotlight and celebrate your great work. Please continue to update us on what's new with your life and career by filling out our "Share your story" form.
I am excited about our school's future and look forward to continuing to stay in touch with our alum family. I wish you all a wonderful and fulfilling summer.
Warm regards,
Dr. Adam L. Aréchiga, PsyD, DrPH
Dean, School of Public Health