Structural Racism: Causes of Health Inequities in the U.S.

Dr. Paul Fleming is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He earned his PhD in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina and his MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University. Dr. Fleming's work is deeply rooted in understanding the social determinants of health and addressing health inequities, particularly within marginalized communities. His mixed-methods research focuses on the root causes of health disparities, emphasizing the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in poor communities both in Michigan and internationally.Before joining the University of Michigan, Dr. Fleming served as a community health Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua, where he implemented health programs, and worked as a consultant for the World Bank and U.S. Agency for International Development on social determinants of health issues. He teaches courses such as "Structural Racism: Causes of Health Inequities in the U.S." and "Historical Roots of Health Inequities," integrating advocacy and community engagement into public health education. Dr. Fleming is also involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within public health practice, making significant contributions to community organizing efforts that strive for social change.

Dr. Melissa Creary is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She holds both a PhD and an MPH from Emory University, where she developed her expertise at the intersection of public health, science, and technology studies. Dr. Creary's current research centers on community perspectives regarding trustworthiness in government and its impact on trust in healthcare systems. She teaches courses such as "Race, Ethnicity, and Culture in Health Policy" and "Public Health Systems," which explore critical issues related to health equity and policy.Dr. Creary's work emphasizes the importance of understanding how social determinants influence health outcomes, particularly within marginalized communities. Her research interests include the concept of "bounded justice," which critiques public health policies that fail to address underlying structural inequities, and "biocultural citizenship," examining how biology and culture intersect to shape identities and trust in health systems. Through her teaching and research, Dr. Creary aims to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of health policies, contributing significantly to the discourse on health equity and community engagement.

Dr. William D. Lopez is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He holds a PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan and an MPH in Management, Policy, and Community Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center. His research primarily focuses on the impact of immigration enforcement on health service utilization within mixed-status communities, as well as community responses to large-scale immigration raids. Dr. Lopez teaches courses such as "Health Impacts of Immigration Law Enforcement in the U.S.," which critically examines the effects of enforcement actions on individuals and communities.In addition to his teaching, Dr. Lopez is the author of the book "Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid," which explores the profound effects of deportation on families and communities. His advocacy work includes collaborations with organizations like the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, aiming to address health disparities faced by immigrant populations. Through his research and community engagement, Dr. Lopez strives to illuminate the intersection of health equity and immigration policy, contributing significantly to public health discourse and practice