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Building a Culture of Health: TC doctoral student Andrea Duran selected for a new national leadership program

Andrea Duran
Andrea Duran
Andrea Duran, a doctoral student in the Kinesiology program of Teachers College’s Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, has been selected to join Health Policy Research Scholars, a new program led by Johns Hopkins University (JHU) with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RJWF).  Duran will join 39 other scholars from across the country to solve persistent challenges and advance “a culture of health that places well-being at the center of every aspect of life.”

‌Participants in the program are from communities that – by race, ethnicity, socio-economic status and other factors – are traditionally under-represented in doctoral programs and policy development. The program’s goal is to diversify the next generations of leaders and ensure equity in health policies.

“These scholars are dedicated to advancing their field in a way that makes a positive and significant impact on their communities,” said Harolyn M.E. Belcher, Program Director, Health Policy Research Scholars Center for Diversity in Public Health Leadership Training, and Professor of Pediatrics, JHU. “In order to do so, they’re willing to forge a new path, learn how to do things differently and work collaboratively to achieve a healthier, more equitable society.”

‌As part of the program Duran will explore how physical-activity research can effectively be translated to inform health policy at the community and school level.

Additional partners providing training and coaching to scholars include AcademyHealth, George Washington University, Mayo Clinic, University of California-Los Angeles, and University of Michigan.

Health Policy Research Scholars is one of four new leadership-development programs launched this year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and represents a four-year, multimillion-dollar investment. The programs join five existing leadership programs in advancing RWJF’s legacy of supporting the development and diversity of leaders influencing health. Additional information is available at www.healthpolicyresearch-scholars.org.

Published Tuesday, Sep 13, 2016