Dr. Deanna Wathington has lots of healthy ideas to share with the world, but not always enough time in a life crammed with activity.
Most people would need a week to do what Wathington does in a day as she collaborates across various fields on the challenges facing health care in our communities. An affiliate professor of community and family health in USF鈥檚 (COPH), she formerly served as associate dean for academic and student affairs as well as associate dean for academic enrichment at USF鈥檚 .
A medical doctor, she spends part of her time as clinical director at REACHUP, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on lowering infant and maternal death rates. She also serves as president of the American Public Health Association and recently spoke at its Policy Action Institute conference in Washington, D.C. The event offered networking sessions with public health policymakers, and reviewed ways to drive change and secure critical resources at a time of nation-wide funding cuts.
Dr. Deanna Wathington (left) with Georges C. Benjamin, MD, who has been APHA's executive director since 2002. (Photo courtesy Wathington).
For the last three decades, her work and scholarly efforts have centered on health equity, clinical-community linkages, infant mortality disparities, community health initiatives and expanding diversity within the health professions.
We caught up with Wathington and asked about the demands of such an active life and what concerns her about the state of our nation鈥檚 health.
Q. What was accomplished at the Policy Action Institute's meeting?
It began with a discussion about public health in the new administration and key issues being considered by Congress and how to positively impact policy making. We discussed how to tell compelling stories to advance policy, the role of the courts in improving public health and we heard from rising voices of the new generation of public health leaders.
We are focused on moving forward in a positive, proactive and strategic manner while also protecting and defending our current work. We are encouraging everyone to Speak for Health by advocating for health issues with their local, state and Congressional representatives.
Q. It鈥檚 clear that you are a public servant in the true sense of the word. What satisfaction you derive from your efforts to improve lives every day.
I truly believe the public health is collective health and we have a collective responsibility to care for everyone and ideally take care of each other in this experiment we call the United States of America. My satisfaction comes from seeing the ideas, enthusiasm and mindset of the next generation and future public health workforce.
Q. What is the single-most pressing health issue in America today?
Our entire public health infrastructure has been assaulted and purposefully dismantled. How are we going to take care of people after the actions of the past six months and the impending effects of the Big Beautiful Bill? This is currently the most pressing issue because every other health concern and issue we will face stems from this.
Q. If obesity, heart disease and diabetes 鈥� to name just three major health problems 鈥� are preventable, why are they so prevalent?
Even before this year, public health has been chronically underfunded. This has impeded our ability to tackle these issues in a systemic way that supports prevention efforts nationally in an equitable manner for all populations. In addition, even though much of the public health infrastructure can help combat these preventable diseases, our current administration does not support addressing the determinants of health and social needs that contribute to these major health problems.
Q. Part of the APHA's strategic plan is to 鈥渃hampion public health.鈥欌�� How?
There鈥檚 a responsibility to continue to provide solid science and evidence-based, relevant data that can help provide those in positions of leadership with the information they need to make sound decisions. We have a responsibility to keep on doing the work, confer with those who can influence health focused policy making and fight for accountability and transparency from these newly appointed officials.
Q. Many young professionals in health care are looking for jobs overseas. Are we in danger of losing a generation of talent?
As I have been saying for most of the year, the populations we serve and the needs of those populations are not going away despite the drastic attack on our public health infrastructure. Those needs will likely increase exponentially as we see the curtailment or removal of vital services and insurance coverage. Although we may see challenges in the current job market, it doesn鈥檛 mean the work isn鈥檛 being done or won鈥檛 need to be done. This is an opportunity for us to be strategic in preparing the future workforce to pivot. It鈥檚 also an opportunity to renovate and rebuild our system, reimagine our funding strategies and think about who will be under the big tent with us.
Q. How do you manage your time with so many duties spread among USF, APHA and REACHUP?
I have had to understand when to say 鈥榶es鈥� and 鈥榥o鈥� while centering on self-care so I can show up for each role responsibly and give of myself where and when needed.
Q. That said, with so much on your plate, how do you deal with stress?
Self-care is important and finding the things that are meaningful to me and make me happy. Family is important to me and making time to spend with my husband, children and grandkids is key. Exercise and ballet also help me remain healthy and centered.
Q. Tell us about a typical day in the life of Deanna Wathington.
From the moment I get up, I鈥檒l go through the schedule for the day and make notes, then complete my exercise regimen. I check and respond to emails, write grants, review curricula and attend various meetings, virtually and in person. I may need to teach or provide a presentation. Often, there are special events, conferences, press events and other activities I am invited to. This role involves quite a bit of travel and public speaking, so I do my best to be informed and prepared. There have been a number of months where I've only been home for two-to-four days of the month. I also spend time writing a monthly column for The Nation鈥檚 Health.
Q. How do you balance this schedule with self-care and family?
I haven鈥檛 balanced these two as well as I would have liked this year, but I鈥檓 trying.
Q. Where can we find you in your down time?
With my family and grandkids, my favorite local bookstore and library, dancing (ballet, jazz and salsa).
Q. What鈥檚 a favorite kickback activity?
Relaxing with my family, reading a good book and enjoying an action or sci-fi movie
Q. If you had a magic wand, what would you change about public health?
First, that we begin to teach the definition, history and fundamentals of public health as part of our children鈥檚 school curricula. I believe this would help to build a population which truly appreciates and engages in public health principles with a clear understanding of the responsibility and benefits of taking care of each other. The second, to build an understanding that we鈥檙e all on this little planet together as one human race, that our country should serve as the leader and role model of how to keep all its populations healthy in a fair manner so we can all live at optimal health for a full lifespan and ensure the health of future generations.
(Photo courtesy of Wathington)
(Photo courtesy of Wathington)