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Dushanka Kleinman

I chose a career in public health because I loved the overriding goal -- to promote population health and well-being -- and because of the nature of the work. Public health research, academia and service demand partnerships with communities and a multidisciplinary team approach. Progress requires collaboration, trust among members and constant learning. At times you have the opportunity to serve as the leader. This has been my experience as a member of the USPHS Commissioned Corps, at the National Institutes of Health, and in academia. I have been grateful for these opportunities and for the support of my wonderful life-long mentors, family and colleagues, including those in ADVANCE, who support the health and well-being of our campus community through the commitment to a 'culture' that invests in and supports UMD faculty.

2020
First woman to serve as NIH Assistant Surgeon General (Rear Admiral),
Deputy Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research,
Chief Professional Officer of the Dental Category in the USPHS, as well as
leadership on the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research
Associate Dean for Research and Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
School of Public Health