Unlocking Public Health Insights: UAMS College Welcomes Former U.S. Surgeon General for Inspiring Grand Rounds Event

Antonia Novello, M.D., Dr.PH, MPH, the 14th U.S. Surgeon General, recently spoke at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Her visit was part of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health’s January grand rounds event.

During her lecture at the Jack T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute, Novello addressed important challenges in healthcare and presented ideas for solutions. She emphasized the need to recognize biases in health care systems. “You have to find out the biases and discrimination,” she stated. “If you don’t, you’re part of the problem, not the solution.”

Novello urged the audience to be proactive. “We must be willing to advocate,” she said. She believes achieving health equity is possible but requires addressing root causes of inequalities, which often remain unspoken. “There must be a concerted effort,” she emphasized.

In her discussion, she highlighted key issues such as wealth, housing, education, and food insecurity as obstacles to health equity. “The most important factor is wealth,” she explained. Many people struggle to access healthcare simply because they do not have facilities nearby or lack transportation. “We must increase health care facilities, especially in rural and minority communities,” she urged.

Education also plays a crucial role in health outcomes. Higher education often leads to better jobs and access to healthcare. “It’s important to tell people why they must remain in school,” Novello said, stressing education as critical to reducing disparities.

Novello also shared insights from her book, “Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service.” She touched upon various disparities in society, including those in health care and housing.

Following her lecture, Novello participated in a Q&A session with students, staff, and faculty. She was joined by Joycelyn Elders, M.D., the 15th U.S. Surgeon General. The two discussed their careers and shared valuable lessons about navigating public health challenges.

Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Health, praised the event. He noted that having two former Surgeons General together was a unique opportunity for everyone involved. “It was a privilege to learn from their experiences,” he said.