The Rollins School of Public Health’s Alumni Board launched a new webinar series in 2023 called Our Public Health Future Starts Now. The series offers Rollins alumni, public health leaders, practitioners, and students an opportunity to engage in the ever-changing landscape of public health and the influence of technology and innovation on our public health future. We spotlight the expertise of Rollins alumni and faculty, as well as industry experts to elevate how technology and innovative approaches can advance public health outcomes and how this changing landscape can inspire new career paths.
Through this series we aim to:
- Highlight trends in public health that can transform our future by enabling digital technology.
- Elevate the use of data and analytics to advance public health outcomes.
- Demonstrate how alums change behavior and cultures through cross-sector collaboration.
- Emphasize why local issues are essential and how commonality across communities and geographies can unify our common goals.
- Uplift how our alums are paving the way for a new public health future and are inspiring practical career changes that support the demand for public health professionals.
Below you will find text summaries of the three sessions offered in our first season:
Session 1:
Future of Data, Biotech, and Algorithms and the Power to Influence Public Health Change
Our first live roundtable was hosted on October 4, 2023 with a roundtable conversation about the Future of Data, Biotech, and Algorithms. As part of that conversation, Michelle James (RSPH Director of Alumni Relations) and Niles Friedman facilitated a discussion with Dr. David Bray, Natalie Barrett, and Dr. Megan Palmer on these important topics.
The roundtable discussion focused on how public health is at an inflection point given the convergence of advances in data, biotechnology, and algorithms. There are many promising opportunities to improve health outcomes as well as risks that need thoughtful navigation. Finding the right balance will require new frameworks and perspectives.
Bray, Barrett, and Palmer all concurred that public health needs to embrace new approaches that go beyond the status quo. This includes leveraging community-centered methods, new partnerships, and innovations in data, biotech and AI to address challenges from outbreaks to chronic conditions.
The speakers highlighted how we now have more health data available than ever before from various sources like hospitals, clinics, apps and more. However, this data is fragmented and we lack the architectures to bring it together in meaningful ways. There is great potential if the data can be properly harnessed. Algorithms and AI are advancing rapidly. While hype exists, it was noted these are not new capabilities but rather building on decades of work. The speakers emphasized the need for valid, quality data to train algorithms to realize benefits while minimizing risks.
There also was discussion around the rise of synthetic biology and engineering of biological systems. This is enabling new approaches to public health threats, development of therapies, sensors, and more. However, appropriate governance and addressing equity considerations are critical. The speakers explored how climate change and public health are intersecting. Leveraging tools like Earth observation data could help link environmental factors to community health. More focus on biodiversity and ecology is also needed for health.
When it comes to strategy and governance, new forms are required that span the public, private, and community sectors as no single institution can address this alone. Distributed, participatory models that engage diverse voices while promoting the public good are important. For education and training, lifelong learning and skill development that bridges disciplines was emphasized. Suggestions included customizable continuing education programs, fellowships, and gaining practical experience. Finding ways to work simultaneously with learning is valuable.
When it came to interactive questions, one topic was about how someone with a masters in public health could gain skills needed for the emerging data and biotech space without pursuing another lengthy degree. Continuing education and fellowships could be pragmatic options. The need for literacy and understanding of advances in biotechnology was noted, as many applications will impact daily lives. Synthetic biology in particular is transitioning from an abstract idea to reality. More informed public dialogue on risks, rewards and governance is required.
While governments explore using synthetic biology for manufacturing and other priorities, biosecurity is a rising consideration. This includes detection of threats as well as the ability to trace back to origins. Partnerships across sectors are important to build capabilities in this space. The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) was highlighted as an example of fostering bottom up innovation by students to address local needs and priorities. However, aggregating knowledge and tools globally through events like iGEM is also highly valuable.
When discussing AI, the need to balance valid applications while managing risks was noted. Opaque generative models require rigorous controls, testing and oversight. However, AI applied narrowly to fields like protein folding may offer more targeted benefits. The speakers emphasized that strategy should not be paralyzed under the illusion of needing endless planning. Progress will require applied curiosity, questioning assumptions, collaborating across disciplines, and carefully accounting for risks of inaction.
For public health strategy, collective action is needed engaging communities, the public and private sectors, and regular people lending their voices. Distributed governance models with agility to learn and adjust are required versus centralized planning. Being connected to local community health data, creative about solutions by expanding worldviews, and courageous in sharing ideas were put forward as ways individuals can contribute to needed changes.
Bray emphasized that F.A.I.L. actually is an acronym, and that a "First Attempt in Iterative Learning" mindset was noted as key – with second, third, and fourth attempts at iterative learning representing essential lessons when navigating complexity and uncertainty. A beginner's mindset of lifelong learning matters.
Possibilities like establishing community biofoundries for localized manufacturing were raised. Additionally, linking environmental data to personal and community health could reveal new insights. But providing appropriate education on what such data means is vital. Thinking boldly demands being informed on advances in biotechnology and synthetic biology and asking critical questions about applications and ethics. Assumptions underlying current policies and governance should be reexamined.
In summary, realizing the promise ahead requires openness to new ideas, collaborating across boundaries, and carefully building benevolent governance models. With informed engagement and creativity, public health can tap into powerful new capabilities to expand its reach and impact.
Session 2:
Transforming Public Health and Healthcare Management with Generative AI
In a recent webinar hosted by the Rollins School of Public Health, participants gathered to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in public health. This session, part of the series "Our Public Health Future Starts Now," aimed to highlight technological advances and their applications in addressing global health challenges.
Dr. David Bray facilitated the session, leading a panel of experts in a discussion that explored the integration of healthcare, public health, and generative AI. The panelists, including Chad Vandenberg and Perry Hewitt in addition to Dr. Bray, discussed how generative AI could assist in addressing public health challenges, emphasizing the need for accurate data and ethical considerations in AI applications.
Chad highlighted the practical applications of AI in healthcare, discussing its potential to reduce administrative burdens and improve patient safety. He shared insights into how AI could enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery by automating routine tasks and providing predictive analytics to prevent adverse health events.
Perry focused on the importance of data quality and the need for AI solutions to be aware of local contexts. She discussed the critical role of designing AI tools that are sensitive to local cultural and social norms to ensure their effectiveness and acceptance. Perry emphasized the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in developing AI solutions that are equitable and effective.
The challenges and opportunities presented by AI in public health were explored thoroughly. While acknowledging the challenges such as data privacy concerns and potential disparities in healthcare access, the panelists discussed the opportunities AI presents for improving healthcare efficiency and outcomes. They stressed the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and public health institutions, to advance the application of AI in public health.
The interactive nature of the webinar was highlighted through a Q&A segment, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the experts, ask questions, and provide input. This interaction enriched the discussion and underscored the collaborative effort required to explore and leverage technology effectively in public health.
In concluding the session, Dr. Bray summarized the key points discussed and reiterated the importance of continuing education and dialogue on the use of AI in public health. The webinar ended with expressions of gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event and the collective effort required to harness technology for public health advancements. This session not only provided insights into the current and potential applications of generative AI in public health but also set the stage for future discussions and developments in this rapidly evolving field.
Session 3:
The Future of Space, Satellites and Disaster Response
In a compelling discussion hosted by the Rollins School of Public Health, experts delved into the integration of space satellites and remote sensing technologies with public health. This dialogue, part of the series "Our Public Health Future Starts Now," explored how these advancements could revolutionize disaster response and enhance our understanding of climate change's implications for public health.
Dr. David Bray highlighted the transformative potential of commercial satellites over the past decade, emphasizing their role in informing public health strategies. Dr. Ali Khan, reflecting on his extensive experience, introduced the concept of "planetary health" to describe the broadening scope of public health in response to global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
The discussion also addressed the current impacts of climate change, with Dr. Khan noting observable effects such as increased prevalence of diseases like Lyme and shifts in mosquito populations. These changes underscore the urgency of integrating advanced technologies like satellite data into public health strategies to enhance predictive capabilities and response mechanisms.
Selina Hayes, another expert in the field, shared insights on the practical applications of geospatial data in addressing humanitarian issues, such as food security and drought mitigation. She emphasized the importance of making space-based data accessible to broader populations, particularly in developing regions where such data can significantly impact disaster response and resource management.
The conversation also touched on the ethical considerations and potential privacy concerns associated with the use of satellite data. The experts discussed the importance of using data responsibly to ensure it serves the public good without compromising individual privacy.
Highlighting the role of satellite technology in monitoring environmental changes, Selina Hayes, Dr. Khan, and Dr. Bray all discussed how deforestation and illegal mining activities could be tracked, providing valuable data for public health interventions and policy-making. This capability illustrates the dual use of satellite technology in both understanding and acting on environmental determinants of health.
The dialogue underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in public health practice. By integrating satellite data, public health professionals can enhance surveillance, improve predictive models, and implement more effective interventions at both local and global levels.
As the discussion concluded, the experts called for enhanced education and training for public health professionals to incorporate satellite data into their work. This integration promises to equip them with the tools necessary to address the complex health challenges posed by a changing global environment.
In summary, the conversation highlighted the critical role of satellite technology in advancing public health. By bridging the gap between technology and health, experts can better predict, respond to, and manage health crises, ultimately leading to more resilient public health systems worldwide.
Portions of these summaries were generated by AI both to assist with voice-to-text transcription, as well as summarizing the key points of the PCI discussion.