JPHMP Direct

Accreditation has the potential to advance and strengthen public health services, contributing to improved health outcomes and a more equitable public health system. PHAB offers a range of data that has been used in a variety of ways by researchers, students, health departments, policymakers, and public health partners. Interested in using PHAB data?

As my colleague Dr. Shafer mentioned in the first post, the recent interrogation of Dr. Anthony Fauci by the US senate was, in many ways, a travesty. It epitomized many of our current problems in America, including a belligerent ideology that attacks expertise and a broader backlash against public health and public health officials. However, it is important to unpack this situation if we are going to learn from it.

“… if a person’s behavior doesn’t make sense, it’s because I’m missing a piece of their context.” — Devin Price, PhD Ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic, I have periodically been asked for my thoughts about why so many Americans, notably those of a particular political persuasion, have increasingly become anti-vax.

My name is Kevin Rodriguez. I’m an incoming freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Neuroscience and Biochemistry as part of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) Program. I’m currently completing an internship at Texas Biomedical Research Institute, where I am investigating biomarkers associated with increased intestinal permeability in non-human primate models.

Understanding Leaky Gut: A Student’s Introduction to an Emerging Public Health Concern Leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the intestinal barrier becomes less effective at preventing bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream, potentially contributing to chronic inflammation.

Consider this scenario: A mother of three is trying to decide whether to vaccinate her kids – and she’s not getting her information from a government or scientific website. Rather, she’s getting it from a woman she’s been following on Instagram for two years – someone who has shared her pregnancy journey, her postpartum struggles, her toddler’s food allergies, and her family’s approach to wellness. The influencer supports vaccines, mostly.

PHAB is pleased to announce the release of the Refreshed Standards & Measures (2026)—a significant step forward in strengthening and modernizing the public health Accreditation process. Building on a strong foundation, this refresh reflects a focused effort to enhance clarity, increase flexibility, and reduce documentation burden, while maintaining the rigor and integrity of Accreditation. Access the informational webinar recording and resources.

Rural health systems are operating under sustained pressures, including workforce shortages, thin margins, limited resources, fragmented services, increased utilization and safety net needs, and widening care gaps. Addressing these complex issues requires practical, scalable solutions that strengthen systems, improve coordination, and expand access to care.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs are designed to prepare graduates to become leaders in public health, tackling real-world challenges, and improving the health of the communities they serve. Programs cover an expansive array of subjects such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and equity, leadership, environmental health, women’s health, implementation science and more.

Science has been under sustained pressure for some time. Some impacts are visible: halted public health initiatives, disrupted clinical trials, declining vaccination rates, and the resurgence of preventable disease. Others are less immediately apparent but no less consequential. One of these quieter crises is unfolding within scientific publishing. The traditional publishing model is already under strain.