Public Health U is delighted to warmly welcome Dr. Valeria Reynolds Cortez, MD, MPH back as our Academic Director. As a long-standing and integral member of the Public Health U community, Valeria has been part of the team since the very inception of Public Health U. Her contributions during those formative years played a pivotal role in framing the foundation of PHU, shaping the development of our early courses, and establishing key policies and procedures. Her return marks an exciting new chapter, bringing a wealth of experience, leadership, and commitment to advancing public health education.

Dr. Reynolds returns to PHU with an impressive portfolio of academic and professional accomplishments. Valeria’s experience spans across preventive medicine, public health, and academia. She also serves as an Epidemiologist at Hospital Virgen de la Luz in Cuenca, Spain. Valeria’s clinical experience as a Hospital Epidemiologist has been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives within hospital settings.
In addition to her extensive professional experience, Dr. Reynolds Cortez brings strong leadership and project management skills, with expertise in quality assurance, teamwork, and critical thinking. Her contributions to public health extend beyond practice and education, as she has published research on critical topics such as Hepatitis B vaccination and hand hygiene practices, reinforcing her dedication to advancing global health standards.

Dr. Reynolds has rejoined PHU at an exciting time, as we now offer three flagship programs—the Master’s in Public Health, Master of Education for Health Professionals, and Ph.D. in Global Health. As we continue to expand, refine, and enhance our offerings, our commitment remains strong in developing innovative, high-quality courses that meet the evolving needs of public health professionals worldwide. With her leadership and vision, we are confident that PHU will continue to grow and excel. Her return marks a significant milestone for PHU and we look forward to her driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and advancing excellence in public health education.
Reisha Narine
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