Dr. Judd Walson, MD, MPH, has been named Vice Chair of the Department of Global Health, effective August 1, 2019.
Walson is a professor of Global Health, Medicine, and Pediatrics, as well as an Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology. In addition, Walson is also the Principal Investigator of the DeWorm3 Project, which focuses on finding ways to eliminate soil-transmitted helminths, known commonly as intestinal worms.
Walson’s work includes projects in multiple countries including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. As co-Principal Investigator of the Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network (CHAIN), Walson has a multitude of experiences in observational research, clinical trials, and implementation. In mentoring over 60 post-doctoral, doctoral, and masters’ levels trainees both domestically and abroad, Walson has gained experience in child and adolescent health, HIV/AIDS, implementation science, and more.
While handling professor and principal investigator duties, Walson is also the founding Executive Director of the Strategic Analysis, Research and Training Program (START), a collaborative program between the Department of Global Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that engages in applied research and analysis projects.
As Vice Chair, Walson will provide leadership and strategic vision for several key activities in the Department of Global Health, including strategic planning, faculty affairs, communication, and strengthening of administrative systems and efficiencies.
“I know that Judd will bring outstanding leadership as our Vice Chair, as well as fresh perspectives and innovative ideas,” said Judy Wasserheit, Chair of the Department of Global Health. “I am thrilled that he will be stepping into this position, and very much look forward to working with him.”
Walson graduated with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Pitzer College before getting an M.D. and MPH from Tufts University. He served his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Duke University.
“There is so much that I am looking forward to with this new position,” Walson said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the staff, students and faculty of this amazing department to plan strategically for the future. I am also very excited to continue to build systems that strengthen and support the vitally important work that we do to meet the emerging and shifting challenges in global health. Finally, I am particularly looking forward to working with our junior faculty and staff to improve transparency and support decision making for all of us to realize professional growth.”