Dr. Susan Graham, MD, MPH, PhD has been named Associate Chair for Department of Global Health Academic Programs, effective August 1, 2019.
Graham is an Associate Professor of Global Health and Medicine, as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology. Dr. Graham is also boarded in internal medicine and infectious diseases.
During her time at the University of Washington, Graham has worked with the Center for AIDS Research, the Global Health Resource Center, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, and the Kenya Research and Training Center. Graham’s leadership of the Global Health pathway has also provided guidance for several medical students’ education. Her list of health topics includes cardiovascular disease, social justice and human rights, infectious diseases, and more. Much of her research focuses on HIV prevention, particularly among the LGTBQI population and female sex workers. Currently, Graham works closely with NYARWEK, and LGBTQI coalition in Kenya that served as a plaintiff against Kenya’s high court ruling to uphold homosexual sex as a crime.
In Kenya, Graham is working toward a cure for HIV through a community-based participatory approach called the Shauriana Project. Shauriana, which means we advise ourselves, includes a series of meetings with the local community in which existing structures were adapted to fit specific needs of the group.
As Associate Chair of Academic Programs, Graham will provide leadership and strategic vision for education and training programs in the department. She will help strengthen and build DGH’s undergraduate, certificate, masters and doctoral degree programs, as well as lead the development of new education and training initiatives. The Associate Chair for Academic Programs also supervises and supports the DGH Academic Program staff, and serves as the senior faculty resource for students and trainees in relation to their educational activities.
“I am delighted that Susan will be our new Associate Chair for Academic Programs,” said Judy Wasserheit, Chair of the Department of Global Health. “Susan possesses deep understanding of many aspects of UW, the Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and our department. She will bring both a wonderful commitment to education and training, and new insights as we further develop these programs. I am very excited about working with her.”
Dr. Graham completed a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University before receiving her M.D. from McGill University. She has a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Toronto and an MPH in Health Services from Boston University. Dr. Graham began her career as an intern and resident in internal medicine at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, and came to UW as a fellow in the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with DGH faculty, staff, and students to ensure that our academic programs prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to tackle the many global health challenges we face today and make meaningful change,” Graham said.