UCLA Public Health Experts Share Insightful Perspectives on Chancellor Frenk – Daily Bruin

The faculty at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health are excited about Chancellor Julio Frenk and the impact he may have on public health.

Frenk became UCLA’s seventh chancellor on January 2. Before this role, he served as Mexico’s health secretary and was the dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is also a professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management.

Fred Zimmerman, a professor in health policy and management, expressed his enthusiasm for Frenk’s appointment. “We will benefit from being associated with such a leader in the field,” he said. He believes Frenk will foster a supportive environment, sharing credit for success while also addressing challenges head-on.

Frenk has a rich background in public health. He started as a researcher and later worked with the World Health Organization, helping to shape policies. As Mexico’s health secretary from 2000 to 2006, he led a major initiative that extended health insurance to 55 million people. This move significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals in the country.

His tenure also focused on increasing access to contraceptives, including the morning-after pill in government clinics. Additionally, Frenk was influential in tobacco control; Mexico became the first Latin American country to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004, which aimed to reduce tobacco use.

However, his involvement with the tobacco industry sparked debate. Dr. Michael Ong noted that while Frenk had successes, collaborating with tobacco companies raised ethical questions. Nonetheless, Ong understands the difficult choices Frenk had to make between funding health programs and pursuing strict tobacco control measures.

Ninez Ponce, chair of the health policy and management department, looks forward to Frenk’s leadership, especially his commitment to health equity. She hopes he will engage students and researchers in global health issues and inspire them to contribute to international efforts.

Other faculty members believe Frenk’s experience could open doors for research collaborations worldwide and enhance UCLA’s presence in public health. Zimmerman mentioned the interdisciplinary nature of public health and how Frenk’s knowledge across various subjects will be beneficial in his leadership role.

As Frenk settles into his new position, faculty are hopeful he will address critical issues, particularly funding concerns amid changes in federal policies. The recent reelection of President Donald Trump threatens NIH funding, which could complicate research efforts. Faculty members hope Frenk can leverage his connections to secure new sources of funding.

Moreover, changes in access to public health data have raised concerns among faculty, making it essential for Frenk to navigate this new landscape. Zimmerman pointed to challenges like natural disasters, noting that Frenk’s experience in government service will be invaluable in managing crises.

Ponce praised UCLA’s recent initiative to help those affected by the Los Angeles County fires, highlighting the importance of community outreach. She believes Frenk will embrace the university’s potential to serve not just local communities but also underserved populations worldwide.