David Peters, an expert in the study of health systems, has been appointed chair of the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, effective May 1. Peters' research focuses on improving the performance of health systems, particularly for the poor in low-income countries, and solving policy issues that affect many aspects of public health.
Image caption: David Peters
"David is a superb leader and manager. He has been at the forefront of creating new approaches to allocating international assistance and to building health systems of the future," says Michael J. Klag, dean of the Bloomberg School. "David will be leading a world-class department, and he will continue to remain focused on research, education, and service that improves health conditions for poor and vulnerable populations around the world."
A native of Canada, Peters attended the University of Winnipeg and received his bachelor of science and medical degrees from the University of Manitoba. He first came to Johns Hopkins in 1993 as a resident in General Preventive Medicine and to receive his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees. Peters then joined the World Bank. In 2002, he joined the Bloomberg School faculty while continuing to have responsibilities at the World Bank. In 2009, he assumed leadership of the Bloomberg School's Health Systems Program and became associate chair of International Health.
Peters succeeds Robert Black, who has chaired the department since 1985. Black will remain with the Bloomberg School as director of the Institute for International Programs, which works with governments in low-income countries to improve maternal and child health and nutrition.
"I want to recognize and thank Bob Black for his many years of leadership and stewardship of the Department of International Health," Klag says. "Bob's accomplishments and abilities are respected both here and around the globe. He has been a wonderful colleague and adviser, and I look forward to continuing to benefit from his presence in our school."
Peters was selected by a search committee chaired by Thomas Quinn, a professor and director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health.
