This announcement originally appeared on HSC News. To access the original article, click here.
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD, has been appointed associate dean for social justice at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, effective Jan. 1. Bluthenthal, who is a professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and a member of the Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research at the Keck School, was appointed to the newly created role by Keck School Dean Laura Mosqueda, MD.
In this new role, Bluthenthal will establish a new Office for Social Justice within the medical school administration. The fundamental premise of such an office is that all people should receive basic benefits from the “institutions of society” based on justice, fairness, and the advancement of the public good. Specifically relating to health care, the Office of Social Justice may address such issues as community health, disparities in the provision of health services and treatment, fairness in public health policy, and advocacy for the fair distribution of health services and treatment. A key first step in establishment of the new Office of Social Justice will be a “Listening Tour,” where Bluthenthal will engage with community leaders, school and medical center leaders, faculty, staff and university colleagues in identifying and prioritizing areas of focus.
An important second area of effort will be in the development of curricula for medical and graduate students that explore issues such as how social justice relates to access to health care and fairness in public health policy, as well as to develop opportunities for advocacy.
Through his research and community leadership, Bluthenthal has been an active participant in social justice reforms for minorities and disadvantaged members of society….(Read More).