Dr. Susan Blumenthal Presented with Honorary Doctorate from Sapienza University of Rome

On Wednesday October 28, New America Senior Fellow in Health Policy Susan Blumenthal, M.D. M.P.A., received an honorary doctorate from Sapienza University of Rome, one of the oldest universities in the world and the largest European university by enrollments. Rear Admiral Blumenthal (ret.) was honored for her work in global health in the fight against AIDS and obesity. She was also recognized for her pioneering leadership in advancing women’s health and the study of sex differences in disease.

“Obesity and food insecurity are global pandemics,” said Dr. Blumenthal. “They require a health in all policies approach that mobilizes all sectors of society.”

Dr. Blumenthal works to address these public health challenges by supporting the SNAPtohealth initiative, which has made recommendations for strengthening nutrition and reducing obesity rates in federal food assistance programs. She is also organizing a summit of technology, public health, and nutrition experts to find ways of using digital tools to prevent obesity.

Dr. Blumenthal has also partnered with the Italian embassy in Washington D.C. to establish the Global Health Forum, an annual event at the embassy to foster cooperation in medicine and science between Italy and the United States.

Previously, Dr. Blumenthal served as the U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and was the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health. She was decorated with the Distinguished Service Medal of the U.S. Public Health Service—its highest honor—was named the Health Leader of the Year by the Commissioned Officers Association, and a Rock Star of Science by GQ Magazine and the Geoffrey Beene foundation.