College of Public Health endowed chair will promote leadership in policy, advocacy
Micah Berman, a professor of public health and law and international expert in tobacco policy, has been named the next Stephen F. Loebs Professor in Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at The Ohio State University.
“This endowed professorship, and the resources it provides, will enable me to help the college’s Division of Health Services Management and Policy (HSMP) build new connections across the university, with alumni, and with health care and public health leaders in Columbus and around the country,” Berman said.
Established in 2001 through a generous gift from HSMP alumni and friends, the Loebs Professorship supports the work of a distinguished teacher and scholar. It was named in honor of Professor Emeritus Stephen Loebs, who served as chair of the graduate program of Health Services Management and Policy from 1980 to 2002 and was associate dean of the College of Public Health from 1995 to 2002.
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees approved the appointment at its meeting today.
“Ohio State is already a leader in health sciences and medicine — and its Master of Health Administration program is already one of the best in the country. We can build on these strengths to advance health policy research and put Ohio State at the center of key conversations about the future of health and health care in the U.S.,” Berman said.
“Working with my talented colleagues, my goals are to catalyze new opportunities for large-scale health policy research, to develop new interdisciplinary programming and partnerships, and to publicize and promote our policy-related work. I’m confident we can make Ohio State’s HSMP division a national leader in health administration and health policy.”
Aram Dobalian, chair of the college’s HSMP division, said the selection of Berman for this endowed professorship reflects the college’s commitment to growth in the areas of policy research and advocacy.
“Professor Berman is an ideal choice for this prestigious position. He has an outstanding record of academic achievement, research, and policy development, and this appointment recognizes his exceptional expertise in health policy, public health law, tobacco law and policy, global public health, and Medicaid,” Dobalian said.
In his new role as the Loebs Professor, Berman will spearhead efforts to bolster the growth of the Division of Health Services Management and Policy, with a particular focus on policy-oriented programming within health care.
“The need for effective health policies has never been greater, with health care administrators playing a pivotal role in shaping equitable and efficient health care systems that prioritize better health outcomes for all,” Dobalian said.
Berman was the recipient of the 2021 David P. Rall Award for Advocacy in Public Health from the American Public Health Association. In addition to his work as a researcher and professor, Berman has served as a senior advisor to the Food and Drug Administration and as a visiting scholar at the World Health Organization’s Center for International Cooperation on Tobacco Control. Berman also is affiliated with the Legal Solutions Support Center, through which he supports local governments seeking to advance policies that promote equity, inclusion, public health, and civic participation.
“Professor Berman has a wealth of experience developing and implementing science-based public health policies from the local to international level. This new role positions him well to expand the College of Public Health’s focus on policy, particularly policy that promotes the health and well-being of all people,” said College of Public Health Interim Dean Karla Zadnik.
