Beyond the Broad Street Pump: Insights into the History of Public Health

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 7-8:15pm
Graduate School of Public Health speaker + Annual Business Meeting

Jamie A, Sokol, MPH

University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health

The public health system in the United States began as a series of episodic responses to real and immediate health threats- and in many ways, it still is. Approaching public health problems with a historical perspective can be more than just an indulgence in reflection; it can be a stark reminder that although change is difficult, it can be done. Join us for a look at key milestones in public health history as we trace our roots from the time of Hippocrates to twentieth century public health achievements. From epidemics to social and political reform, we'll explore the ever-changing public health landscape - and re-emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving public health problems. Click here for the Zoom link.

Jamie A. Sokol, MPH, is a part-time lecturer at Pitt Public Health, where she teaches a culminating course in the MPH curriculum that focuses on problem solving in applied public health settings. Jamie's career in governmental public health practice has been focused on strengthening the delivery of public health services through administrative and operational improvement. She is especially passionate about developing the future public health workforce both in and out of the classroom. She holds a BA in Health and Society from the University of Rochester and an MPH from Pitt Public Health. 

Image courtesy of PBS.org