Congratulations to the faculty, alumni and student recipients of the University of Washington School of Public Health who were honored at this year’s Washington State Public Health Association conference! These awards, which were presented at the 2023 October conference, recognize distinguished individuals for their contributions to improving the public’s health in Washington state.
Exceptional Student Award: Raymond Ruiz
’23 Ph.D. graduate, Health Systems and Population Health
This award honors a student in public health or a related field who has shown leadership and commitment to public health in the areas of advocacy, research, academia and/or community involvement. Raymond Ruiz, a 2023 graduate of the Health Services doctoral program, is recognized for his body of work in cancer prevention that serves sexual and gender minority communities. Ruiz is a truly engaged scholar who cares deeply about the communities he serves and represents. After graduating from the School of Public Health in 2023, Ruiz joined Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine as a postdoctoral fellow.
The Secretary of Health’s Award: Leo Morales
Founding co-Director of the UW Latino Center for Health, adjunct professor of Health Systems and Population Health, professor and assistant dean in the UW School of Medicine
The Secretary of Health’s Award is an opportunity to recognize the strong work occurring around Washington state in the field of public health. Dr. Leo Morales is a professor of medicine and assistant dean for healthcare quality and equity at the UW School of Medicine. He is recognized for his work leading the UW Latino Center for Health, which is addressing health inequities in Latinx communities around Washington, as well as building a workforce that represents these communities.
Public Health Leadership Award: Thomas Locke
Jefferson County health officer and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe public health officer, ’93 UW SPH MPH alum of Health Services
This award recognizes leadership competence and demonstration in the areas of public health advocacy, research, education, and/or equity and social justice. Dr. Thomas Locke was nominated by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Elders. For over 30 years, Locke has provided exceptional professional counsel to the leaders, staff and citizens of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Anthony Chen
Director of health emeritus of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, clinical associate professor of Health Systems and Population Health
Dr. Anthony Chen is the director of health emeritus of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department after a long career in public health. Chen is known for asking significant questions that have pushed the field to consider how our work will impact communities of color and socio-economic status. Over his career, he advocated for cultural humility in community health planning and programming, in health care and in health systems transformation.