Meet Our Chair
Meet Our Chair
Stephen W. Patrick, MD
Stephen W. Patrick, MD, is O. Wayne Rollins Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management. A practicing neonatologist and health policy scholar, Patrick brings deep clinical insight and national policy experience to his leadership of the department.
With a focus on improving outcomes for pregnant women with opioid use disorder and their infants, Patrick’s NIH-funded research bridges clinical care, public health, and policy. He has served as a White House senior policy advisor, testified before Congress, and published extensively on substance use, maternal and child health, and Medicaid policy.
At Emory, he maintains an active clinical practice at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, co-directs the Emory Health Services Research Center, and leads the Emory Center for Child Health Policy.
Patrick is a dedicated mentor and passionate about ensuring research is shaped by community voices and translated into real-world impact. He believes research should not remain on the shelves of academic journals but instead inform better care, smarter policy, and healthier communities.
"As a first-generation college graduate, I discovered public health during medical school. What drove me to public health then is the same thing that draws me now—the ability to improve the health of entire populations."
A Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Health Policy and Management at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health! Our dynamic programs in health policy and management are dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in health policy, health services research, and health care management.
My MPH in Health Policy and Management provided me with the foundation for my career in medicine, research, and federal policy. Public health is in a unique season of challenges, but for me, it provides clarity that our work has never been more important. Embarking on a career in public health means entering the field at a critical time in the world.
Our department is also experiencing many exciting changes—from the implementation of our new strategic vision, to hiring new faculty and staff, to growing community partnerships—and, of course, continuing to expand our reach and expertise in our core research areas.
Our faculty members lead innovation and impact in critical public health areas, such as mental and maternal health, chronic disease management, opioid use disorders, and health care access and cost effectiveness. They mentor our students towards cutting-edge skills to design equitable interventions, expand access to essential services, and influence health care policy.
On behalf of our faculty and staff, we invite you to explore this website to learn more about our department, our areas of expertise, and the impactful work we’re doing in to advance our field. If you’re considering joining us as a student, we’re eager to hear from you and encourage you to reach out with any questions. Stay connected with our latest research, publications, and departmental news by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Rollins news center.
Ready to Move Forward?
We are the #2 school of public health in the nation on a mission to move public health forward—join us.