On May 8, 2024, McGill University celebrated the launch of its Department of Global and Public Health (DGPH) within the School of Population and Global Health (SPGH). The event, held at the SPGH offices at 2001 McGill College Avenue, welcomed more than 40 attendees. Madhukar Pai, MD, PhD, inaugural Chair of the DGPH, highlighted the department’s commitment to addressing health inequities and advancing public health through action-oriented research, interdisciplinary training, allyship and equitable partnerships.
Tim Evans, MD, D.Phil, Director and Associate Dean of the SPGH, discussed the DGPH’s alignment with the SPGH’s vision. The event recognized and honoured Catherine Hankins, MD, PhD, and Charles Larson, MDCM, for their many contributions to the DGPH, the SPGH and the global health community at McGill and beyond, with touching remarks from Dr. Pai, Dr. Evans, Dr. Hankins and Dr. Larson. VP-Dean Lesley Fellows was also in attendance, showing strong support for the DGPH.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Pai highlighted the importance rising to the biggest challenges of our day, working together, to do the best we can to address polycrisis, in solidarity with the most impacted communities, nationally and globally. The celebration, which continued with music and conversations, marks a significant step for McGill in fostering a healthier, more equitable world through education, research and policy advocacy.