Fielding Notes | Dean's Corner 9.29.26

At UCLA Fielding, we are steadfast in our commitment to the often-unheralded work of addressing public health concerns upstream, building more resilient systems, and shaping policies and programs that will foster better health for generations to come. 

Public health is personal. From when you wake up to when you sleep, public health impact is working for you. Public health allows us to live a long healthspan. Public health leaves no one behind.  Public health is health for the public. It is the best measure of collective wealth (paraphrased from W.E.B Du Bois and others). Much of public health is about reducing risk, preventing illness, and promoting the long-term well-being of populations. It’s about investing in a healthier future for communities by addressing the social determinants — including education, employment, income, transportation, housing, and access to nutritious foods — that are major drivers of health status and outcomes.

This work is all part of “Protecting Tomorrow Today,” our UCLA Fielding community’s motto for this academic year.

I am excited to lead our school with the new Bruin Values that Chancellor Frenk described this week (LINK). We will be highlighting many of you who practice and model these values every day: Integrity, Excellence, and Belonging.

A new academic year brings with it the promise of possibility. The possibility of pursuing a novel path, of never giving up, of expanding our horizon in unexpected ways. No matter which road we choose, there will be progress. And whether you’re conducting critical fieldwork or practicing personal prevention through keeping your mind and body active, you are part of the solution. 

Throughout the year, I hope you’ll share your stories — let us know how you are working to protect against health threats, protect communities, and protect our voices in public health. Tag your photos and stories on social media with #ProtectingTomorrowToday for an opportunity to be featured in UCLA Fielding's community social media feeds and help us show public health in action. 

Click here to learn more about #ProtectingTomorrowToday.