EXPERIENCED FEDERAL ADVISOR IS NEW DEAN AT SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
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ROBERT W. AMLER, M.D. |
Dr. Amler succeeds James J. O'Brien, Ph.D., vice dean, who was serving as acting dean since the death of Dean Sheila M. Smythe last year. Dr. Amler is the top academic and administrative officer for the school, which became one of only 36 accredited schools of public health in the nation in November, 2003.
Board certified in pediatrics and preventive medicine, Dr. Amler has been an official advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and other national leaders on a broad range of medical, safety and professional issues. In his previous position as regional health administrator for the Northeast and Caribbean, he led a response task force that integrated public health departments with hospital systems, and established a regional network of volunteer Medical Reserve Corps units.
He also has held posts at the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Not so different
Though the workings of academia are somewhat different than the mechanisms of federal agencies, Dr. Amler says their missions have great similarity to improve the health of "everyone, whether a patient or a constituent, by working with university centers, health plans large and small, individual providers and government agencies."
Speaking with the enthusiasm that comes with a new job, and the willingness to hear what everyone has to say, Dr. Amler decides that "sometimes being the new kid on the block is a challenge. But it is also a great chance to learn and work with some fascinating people."
There will be a learning period where he will observe and gain knowledge.
"New York Medical College already has an important reputation as a leader in health care. The challenge for the School of Public Health is to find more ways to translate all that talent and knowledge for the good of the people we serve. In other words, to put a human face on the medicine we teach and practice," he says.
Dr. Amler's previous adjunct faculty appointments include Columbia University, Emory University and at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. He has coauthored more than 200 scientific publications, including contributions on environmental risk assessment, vaccine efficiency and national health policy.
Dr. Amler is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Dartmouth College, Rutgers Medical School and the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Bellevue Hospital and St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.