UBC School of Population and Public Health

The Partnership for Work, Health and Safety is proud to be hosting the Work Disability Prevention and Integration (WDPI) 2026 Conference—one of the most respected international gatherings in the field of work disability—on the UBC campus May 12-15. WDPI 2026 will bring together leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and organizational leaders. The conference offers a unique opportunity to hear about cutting edge research and real world solutions that will shape the future of work disability in Canada and beyond. Explore the program: wdpi2026.ca/program Register: wdpi2026.ca/registration

Congratulations to UBC MHA student David Yang on receiving the 2026 Robert Wood Johnson Award! “Receiving the Robert Wood Johnson Award is a reminder that health leadership takes many forms. For me, it marks a new beginning for my leadership journey and highlights the responsibility to show up more courageously. The UBC MHA program gave me new tools to trust myself and others as we work toward a more equitable health system,” said David Yang. With a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, David began his career in diagnostic testing and biobanking, where he developed an interest in using health data to improve outcomes. He now focuses on the ethical access, governance, and use of health data to support better care. Through work with Health Data Research Network Canada and other partners, he is committed to advancing equitable data use and improving population health. Established in 1956, the award recognizes one outstanding MHA student from six Canadian universities for achievement and promise in health services management. Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

Last week, SPPH was pleased to welcome colleagues to a special roundtable discussion featuring Nancy Hamzawi, President of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The roundtable built on a prior meeting in March in Ottawa during UBC’s annual Day on the Hill. Following that engagement, President Hamzawi expressed interest in visiting campus during her trip to BC, creating a valuable opportunity for SPPH researchers to share insights and explore areas for collaboration with PHAC. “We were honoured to host this roundtable and to welcome colleagues from PHAC to SPPH. I’d like to thank everyone who participated for contributing to such a thoughtful and productive discussion. It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the breadth of research at SPPH, better understand PHAC’s current priorities, and explore meaningful ways to work together in shaping public health policy and practice,” said Aslam Anis, SPPH professor and school director. The conversation focused on vaccination and highlighted the value of ongoing partnerships between academic institutions and federal public health leadership in improving health outcomes for communities across Canada. SPPH looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to work with PHAC. Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

We’re pleased to share that Dr. Trevor Corneil has been appointed Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), Engagement and Regional Support in the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, effective April 1, 2026. A Clinical Professor with UBC School of Population and Public Health and Medical Health Officer with Northern Health, Dr. Corneil brings more than 20 years of experience in public health practice, physician leadership, and medical education across British Columbia. He has served as Program Director of UBC’s Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) Residency Program for over 5 years. In this role, he has supported residents and faculty through a provincial redesign and expansion of the program, including the addition of Family Medicine as an elective dual certification pathway. Dr. Corneil will conclude his tenure as Program Director June 30 of this year, to provide time for SPPH and PGME to identify a successor. We are grateful for Dr. Corneil’s leadership as Program Director of the PHPM Residency Program and look forward to his continued impact in this new position. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Corneil on this appointment 👏 🔗 Learn more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

The UBC School of Population and Public Health is pleased to present Empowering Indigenous Futures: A Health Research Presentation Series—a four-part series that brings together leading voices in Indigenous health, governance, and public health equity. We welcome faculty, students, staff, and members of Indigenous communities to join us for these engaging and timely conversations: 📅 Monday, April 13, 2026 Pathways to Indigenous Health and Wellness: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism in Public Health presented by Jorden Hendry 📅 Monday, April 20, 2026 Rights Holders, Knowledge Holders: Rebuilding Health Systems Through Indigenous Governance presented by Dr. Wayne Clark 📅 Monday, April 27, 2026 Relational Futures for Public Health Equity presented by Dr. Chenoa Cassidy-Matthews 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Optimizing Indigenous Health and Wellbeing presented by Dr. Jeff Reading ⏰ Time: 9:30–10:30 AM (all sessions) 📍 Location: Hybrid (registration required) We encourage attendees to join all four sessions. 🔗 To learn more about the speakers and access the Zoom link, please visit: spph.ubc.ca/events (link in bio) We hope you can join us!

We’re pleased to share that Dr. Gina Ogilvie has been appointed Interim Director and Interim Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), UBC Faculty of Medicine, effective to April 30, 2026. A professor at SPPH and a global leader in women’s health research, Dr. Ogilvie brings extensive experience and leadership to this role. We look forward to her continued impact advancing equity-focused research and collaboration. Please join us in thanking Dr. Ogilvie for her interim leadership. Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

We are pleased to share that Dr. Amy Salmon has been appointed Director of the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes (Advancing Health), effective to March 31, 2031. Dr. Salmon is a clinical associate professor at SPPH and Director, Clinical Faculty Affairs. She has also served as the Centre’s Associate Director since 2020. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of health systems and services that support people with complex health and social care needs, including mental health and substance use services. Dr. Salmon’s appointment follows the leadership of Dr. Aslam Anis, who served as Director since 2007. Under his 18-year leadership, the Centre has evolved from a small research unit supporting HIV studies into a globally-respected interdisciplinary research hub. We thank Dr. Anis for his leadership and remarkable contributions. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Salmon on her appointment. Learn more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

Researchers at SPPH have secured $3.89M in funding to advance seniors’ home and community care across British Columbia. Working in partnership with health authorities, community organizations and people with lived experience, these projects aim to strengthen evidence-based approaches that support healthy aging and help older adults remain connected, independent and well in their communities. Congratulations to Drs. Craig Mitton, Margo Pearce and Amy Salmon. As B.C.’s population continues to age, research like this plays an important role in shaping more responsive and sustainable care systems. Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

Building community is essential to advancing public and global health. In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight two inspiring SPPH Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates who are helping build stronger networks and support systems for women in the field. Through The HER Network (Health, Empowerment, Resources), a peer-led initiative for women in public and global health, these alumni are creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development for students and early-career individuals. By fostering spaces for collaboration and support, they’re helping the next generation of public health leaders connect and thrive. @the.her.network 🔗 Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

The UBC School of Population and Public Health has been awarded $494,500 from the Government of Canada through the Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians (IPSFC), supporting Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This investment will expand SPPH’s partnerships across the Indo-Pacific—including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Nepal—creating new opportunities for students, fellows, and researchers to collaborate with regional partners on pressing global health priorities such as climate change, sustainable development, and natural resources management. “Strong partnerships are the foundation of progress in global health,” said Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health at the University of British Columbia. “With this support, UBC will deepen collaboration with colleagues across the Indo-Pacific and expand opportunities for students and researchers to advance solutions to shared health challenges.” 🔗 Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

We are proud to share that two researchers from SPPH have been awarded $4 million in funding to advance critical research in cancer prevention and early detection. Led by Rachel Murphy and Gina Ogilvie, these projects will address key challenges in cancer risk, recurrence, and screening, strengthening the evidence base that informs prevention strategies and public health practice in Canada and globally. Congratulations to Dr. Murphy, Dr. Ogilvie, and their teams on this significant achievement and their continued leadership in advancing population health! Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio)

“Black History Month represents not only recognition but a call to sustained action to address structural determinants of health, confront anti-Black racism within health systems, and translate evidence into equitable policy and practice.” — Hayley Lawrence, PhD student at SPPH Read more: spph.ubc.ca (link in bio) ***** February is Black History Month. While we should celebrate Black history and excellence every day, this is an opportunity for a focused, intentional and elevated reflection and recognition of Black history and achievement – and the many historical and contemporary contributions of Black Canadians, Black British Columbians and Black students, faculty and staff at UBC. To mark this occasion, we reached out to the SPPH community to learn what Black History Month means to them.