Dr. Elizabeth Vásquez Named Director of the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities

The Institute for Social and Health Equity is proud to announce Dr. Elizabeth Vásquez as the new Director of the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities (CEMHD). Dr. Vásquez, an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University at Albany School of Public Health, brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Renowned for her nationally recognized research in physical activity among older adults and the impact of contextual factors and social determinants, Dr. Vásquez has authored over 50 published papers. Her contributions have been showcased at major national conferences, including the Gerontological Society of America and the American Public Health Association.

Established earlier this year, ISHE, led by Dr. Paul Morgan, serves as a catalyst and focal point for building on the University’s strengths and commitments to achieving social and health equity in local communities and beyond. The integration of CEMHD into the work of ISHE further amplifies the institute's dedication to addressing health disparities. The Institute would like to thank Dr. Annis Golden for her service and dedication as Dr. Vasquez’s predecessor, in her role as Interim Director of CEMHD. 

As a first-generation Dominican immigrant, Dr. Vásquez's personal journey aligns seamlessly with CEMHD’s mission. "My life experience as a first-generation Dominican immigrant, my academic training and service orientation, my experience as a faculty member and mentor to students in the field of public health, greatly qualifies me to bring new and innovative commitments to community engagement, to fostering health disparities research, and to supporting the development of new health disparities scholars as director of the CEMHD," she emphasizes.

Expressing enthusiasm about the appointment, Dr. Paul Morgan of ISHE remarked, "I am thrilled about Dr. Vásquez’s appointment and the opportunity to work with her as CEMHD’s new Director." This sentiment underscores the collaborative step towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape, resonating with ISHE's overarching commitment to social and health equity.