SPH Alum Receives Prestigious APHA Jay S. Drotman Memorial Award

Jay Bhatt, who received his Masters in Public Health from the UIC School of Public Health in 2002, was recently awarded the 2007 Jay S. Drotman Memorial Award from the American Public Health Association (APHA).

The Jay S. Drotman Memorial Award was established to recognize the career of a promising young public health professional or student. The award recognizes a health worker or student, age 30 or younger, who demonstrates potential by challenging traditional public health policy or practice in a creative and positive manner.

“We are very proud of Jay’s accomplishments and congratulate him on this prestigious award,” said Sylvia Furner, interim dean at the UIC School of Public Health.

Bhat, who is currently a fourth year medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, served as the American Medical Student Association’s (AMSA), national president during 2006-2007. He serves on the Governing Council of the APHA; on the Bureau of Communications at the American Osteopathic Association; and on the boards of the American College of Preventive Medicine, Physicians for a National Health Program and Justice Speaks.

Bhatt is also a National Health Service Corps scholar, honoring his commitment to the underserved. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago.

“I feel truly honored to have received this award,” Bhatt said. “My experiences with the UIC School of Public Health, along with other organizations, were and continue to be instrumental in shaping my growth, values and commitment to the very best in public health and patient advocacy.”