Director's Message
Together, our research and training programs are far-reaching and reflect the rich diversity of our Institution, of greater Chicago and of our nation.”
Northwestern University’s Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM) envisions a future where all people are able to realize their highest possible health and well-being. We pursue this vision by advancing collaborative research and education that improves health and well-being for all individuals and their communities.
IPHAM members span over 50 departments in seven Northwestern University schools, and our many partners include public agencies, community and faith based organizations, employers, health payers, and diverse healthcare delivery systems. Together, our research and training programs are far-reaching and reflect the rich diversity of our Institution, of greater Chicago and of our nation.
IPHAM values the complementary strengths of diverse people, organizations, and communities, investing our time and resources in partnership capacity building, workforce development and strategies to catalyze, support and disseminate many different forms of research, all in an effort to advance population health and health equity.
Population Health
Population health means the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of those outcomes within the group. IPHAM members work to improve the population health of many different groups, defined by where people live or work, by a particular health condition or by having shared beliefs or characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age or sexual or gender identify.
Health Equity
Health equity means that every individual person has a fair opportunity to achieve their highest possible level of health. IPHAM members work to identify and address obstacles that impede individuals or groups from achieving their highest level of health, such as poverty, discrimination or not having access to good jobs with fair pay, to quality education and housing, to safe environments or to safe and effective health care.
I want to welcome you to IPHAM and encourage you to get involved. Please explore our website and contact us to learn more about the many ways our Institute can help you to advance population health and health equity, here in Chicago and across the globe.
Ron Ackermann
Director, Institute for Public Health and Medicine
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine