This project documents the unique paths of MCH leaders in academe, focused on five key questions. The hope of this project is to preserve these experience and the wisdom from the field that each expert brings and also to inspire a new generation of MCH academics.
Dr. Lew Margolis is a veteran MCH educator who most recently was an associate professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Dr. Margolis served on the faculty at the Gillings School for 28 years, during which he earned a reputation among MCH students as a passionate and dedicated teacher, mentor and advisor. He was especially committed to challenging students to think critically and consider the many sides of complex public policy issues. Margolis retired from teaching at the Gillings School in 2018, although his impact on the field continues as his many students advance in their MCH careers.
Credit: UNC Gillings School
Dr. Margolis started his career as a pediatrician. After developing an interest in the social determinants of health, he earned a master's in epidemiology at UNC. From there, he combined his passions for public health and the well-being of children to begin his career in MCH academe. He was a co-lead of the UNC MCH Interdisciplinary Leadership Development program which brought together students and faculty from five MCHB-funded training programs. He is the recipient of the Vince Hutchins Leadership Award from the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, as well as the Edward G. McGavran Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Department of Maternal and Child Health Teaching Award.
Click below to listen to Dr. Margolis' story as he responds to five questions.