In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Self-Care Spotlight's May editions will feature prominent Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American leaders who have contributed to the health and wellness of Americans.
Honoring Leana Wen, MD
This week, we're shining a light on Leana Wen, MD, a public health advocate, physician, and educator dedicated to advancing healthcare and wellness globally. Born in Shanghai, China, and raised in the United States, Dr. Wen's journey has been marked by a deep commitment to improving health equity. Driven by her passion for public health, Dr. Wen earned her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later obtained a Master's in Public Health from the University of Oxford.
As an educator, Dr. Wen is dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare professionals and has s held faculty positions at several prestigious academic institutions, including George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Wen's leadership extends beyond clinical practice and academia, and her advocacy efforts include serving as a vocal advocate for public health policy reform and promoting strategies to improve population health outcomes with a specific focus on access , reproductive rights, and combating the opioid epidemic.
From 2018-2019, Dr. Wen served as President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she championed initiatives to expand access to contraception and comprehensive sexual education while also confronting legislative threats to reproductive access.
She has been named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People and received numerous awards for her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare equity.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Leana Wen, MD!
Honoring Teresita Batayola
This week, we're shining a light on Teresita Batayola, a remarkable healthcare and community service leader and advocate. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, she pursued further studies in the United States, earning a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she began cultivating her expertise in community health and healthcare management.
Throughout her career, Batayola has held various leadership positions in healthcare organizations, always focusing on improving healthcare access for marginalized communities. Her work has often intersected with social justice and equity issues, reflecting her commitment to serving those most in need.
One of Batayola's most notable contributions has been her role as the CEO of International Community Health Services (ICHS), a federally qualified health center providing culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services to a diverse population in Seattle. Under her leadership, ICHS has expanded its reach and impact, offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services to underserved communities, including immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals.
Batayola's dedication to service has earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including being named one of the "100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World" by the Filipina Women's Network. Her impact extends far beyond the healthcare sector, inspiring others to join her in the fight for a more just and equitable society.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Teresita Batayola!
Honoring Julie Morita, MD
This week, we're shining a light on Julie Morita, MD, a distinguished physician, public health leader, and advocate known for her contributions to community health and disease prevention. Morita earned her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School and completed her residency training in pediatrics at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Dr. Morita has held various leadership roles in public health organizations and government agencies throughout her career, serving as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health for nearly two decades, where she played a pivotal role in developing and implementing initiatives to address pressing health issues facing the city's residents. Under her leadership, the department made significant strides in reducing tobacco use, improving immunization rates, and combating infectious diseases.
She has been appointed to numerous advisory committees and task forces, advising government agencies and organizations on public health policy and practice matters. Her contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged, including the Public Health Recognition Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Dr. Joseph W. Mountin Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Morita was appointed as a senior advisor to the Biden administration's COVID-19 response team, where she played a crucial role in shaping the nation's strategy for pandemic mitigation and vaccine distribution.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Julie Morita, MD!