Department of Preventive Medicine
The Department of Preventive Medicine includes biostatisticians, epidemiologists, physicians, psychologists, and professionals of other fields whose work is oriented toward disease prevention and health promotion. This department is organized into three main divisions:
Our work includes these services, programs, and initiatives:
- Statistics and Methodology Consulting
- Community Health Promotion
- Master of Science in Epidemiology Program
- Certificate in Clinical Research Program
- Clinical and Translational Research
History And Mission
Established in 1939, the Department of Preventive Medicine is integral to the UT Health Science Center's mission "to improve human health through education, research, and public service, with an emphasis on improving the health of Tennesseans." In the early 1970s, this department was instrumental in Memphis/Shelby County in developing one of the nation's premier community-based, nurse-run, chronic-disease treatment programs, designed and initiated by John W. Runyan, Jr., M.D., department chair from 1972 to 1994.
The department's clinical research expanded while William B. Applegate, M.D., M.P.H., was chair from 1994 to 1999. During this period, the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology merged with the Department of Preventive Medicine, strengthening research and other initiatives. Grant W. Somes, Ph.D., the chair during 2000-2010, continued this progress and expanded the department's teaching mission through the Master of Science in Epidemiology program. With this progress, the Department of Preventive Medicine emphasizes prevention-sciences scholarship, ongoing research, education, and community outreach.
Quick Links
Karen C. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H., Interim Chair
Department of
Preventive Medicine
66 N. Pauline Street, Suite 633
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: 901-448-5900
