Anne E. Peterson, MD, MPH, joined NextGenU.org as a volunteer advisor. In her advisory role, Dr. Peterson provides strategic guidance to Public Health U (an initiative of NextGenU.org) and its associated academic programs in public health, global health, and education. Dr. Peterson’s professional journey is distinguished by pivotal roles across various sectors, each contributing to her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in public health.
From her tenure as the Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Global Health at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to serving as the State Health Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Virginia, she has adeptly navigated the complexities of health policy, program implementation, and emergency response. She is currently serving as the Dean of Medicine at Ponce Health Sciences University: British Virgin Islands, where she will oversee the academic and administrative operations of the medical program.
Prior to this, she was the Vice-Dean of Ponce Health Sciences University and a Research Professor at George Washington University, she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of public health leaders, guiding accreditation processes, teaching courses, and conducting research on critical topics such as food security and leadership. Her academic portfolio includes successfully guiding accreditation by the Council of Education in Public Health (CEPH) of Ponce Health Sciences’ (PHSU) public health program in just three years, a remarkable feat underscoring her exceptional leadership and dedication to academic excellence. Furthermore, Dr. Peterson played a pivotal role in curriculum development, taking the lead in revising the overall program curriculum to ensure its pertinence and alignment with contemporary public health challenges. This responsibility extended to overseeing a cohort of approximately 60 Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) epidemiology students, representing the sole DrPH program specializing in epidemiology in Puerto Rico.
Leading global health programming in organizations such as World Vision International and Americares, Dr. Peterson spearheaded transformative initiatives that reshaped the global health landscape. Her strategic vision and expert leadership were instrumental in transitioning these organizations into programmatic powerhouses with a strong focus on addressing chronic diseases and mental health and strengthening health systems. Under her guidance, health programs expanded across 32 countries, meeting diverse needs with rigorous evaluation and impactful outcomes. Dr. Peterson’s journey in global health is deeply rooted in her humanitarian spirit and hands-on experience in the field. From spearheading community development and AIDS prevention efforts as a missionary in Africa to her recent endeavors in conflict zones and humanitarian emergencies, she has consistently championed the cause of the underserved and marginalized.
Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of experience from government, the nonprofit sector, and academia to her advisory role at Public Health U and NextGenU.org. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing several key projects and initiatives. Notably, she has led updates to the Ph.D. in Global Health Program and is working closely with the Instructional Design team to launch the Master of Education for Health Professionals. These initiatives highlight her dedication to enhancing public health education and fostering innovation.
With Dr. Peterson’s guidance and advisory support, Public Health U has implemented significant updates to its policies ans procedures all aimed at elevating the quality of education for its students. A seasoned public health professional, Dr. Peterson remains dedicated to mentoring and developing leaders in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond academia, she continues to provide strategic insights to empower individuals in effectively addressing pressing public health challenges within their communities
We are excited to witness the positive impact Dr. Peterson will have on Public Health U through her visionary initiatives and commitment to advancing Public Health. At Public Health U, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education to bring about positive change, and our mission is to ensure that this education is accessible to all. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in public health, one student at a time.
Reisha Narine
Author
