SAPHA Spotlight Series - February 2024

SEASON 1 | EPISODE 2

South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series

SAPHA continues its journey into the world of podcasts with our latest installment! Introducing the second episode of the South Asian Public Health Association Spotlight Series, where we dive deep into the extraordinary careers and journeys of public health pioneers, with a special focus on the South Asian community.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the South Asian Public Health Association, each episode promises enlightening discussions, motivational narratives, and an intimate exploration of the impactful contributions made by former SAPHA board members, shaping the landscape of public health.

Episode 2

Featuring Umair Shah, MD, MPH

Our second podcast episode features the distinguished Dr. Umair Shah, Secretary of Health for the state of Washington, and also the first South Asian to assume this role in the state’s history. Dr. Shah is a trailblazer in public health with a distinguished career spanning two decades, marked by leadership roles in emergency medicine, public health innovation, and advocacy for underserved communities. Dr. Shah has made significant contributions to SAPHA while serving on the Board of Directors, and especially during his time as SAPHA President in 2009 and 2010.

Listen to this episode on Youtube

or

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Learn more about Dr. Shah below:

Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, made history when he became the first Asian-American physician of South Asian descent to serve as Secretary of Health for the state of Washington, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in December 2020. Taking on this pivotal role during the challenging winter wave of COVID-19 and the rollout of vaccines, Dr. Shah transitioned from his previous position as Executive Director and Local Health Authority for Harris County Public Health in Texas, where he served nearly five million people.

With a rich academic background, including a BA in philosophy from Vanderbilt University, MD from the University of Toledo Health Science Center, and an MPH from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Dr. Shah has had a diverse career spanning clinical practice, public health administration, and leadership roles in prestigious organizations such as the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shah has been recognized for his contributions to public health, receiving awards such as the Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize for creativity, the APHA’s Public Service Award for Outstanding Service in Emergency Health, and the NACDS Foundation’s Excellence in Patient Care Award. Known for his commitment to equity, innovation, and community engagement, Dr. Shah continues to be a beacon of leadership and advocacy for underserved communities in the realm of health and healthcare.

Listen to this episode on Youtube

or

Listen to this episode on Spotify

Thanks for checking out SAPHA!

We are constantly finding new ways to promote the health and wellbeing of all our South Asian communities. We do this through advocacy, education and fostering meaningful partnerships in the community! Learn more about our mission or make a donation at sapha.org!

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