Message From The Acting Director, Public Health Program

I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer and is eager to start their fall term! At the start of this new academic year, I want to welcome all new public health students and welcome back existing students. Although my role as Acting Director of the Public Health Program at University College will end in December, it has been a pleasure speaking to and getting to know so many students thus far, and I look forward to working with many of you during the next few months. As a former UofT student myself, I had the privilege of learning from bright and dedicated instructors and researchers, inspiring me to pursue a career in university teaching.

This new academic year has heralded new changes as well, starting with the official name change of the program to Public Health and a new Public Health curriculum. With the continued guidance and support of the program's administrators, instructors, researchers, staff, and students, and our collaboration with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, the program is set to enter a new era of growth and development. As acting director, I will strive to maintain the longstanding traditions of the program while advancing its aspirational goals. 

I urge each and every student to search for new opportunities this year to enrich your public health-based education and participation in related events, including those hosted by the Public Health Student Union (PHSU). The future of public health depends on the innovation and collaborative efforts of individuals from a diverse array of disciplines, and as students and prospective public health professionals you will play a vital role in the various approaches required to advance the field and seamlessly integrate the social determinants of health into education and practice. I will do my very best to help you on your journey, and I look forward to this new academic year with all of you. 

Maria Papaconstantinou
Acting Director of Public Health, University College