The Department of Population Health Sciences is proud to announce that our chair, Angie Fagerlin, Ph.D., has received the 2026 annual Linda K. Amos Award for Distinguished Service to Women. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals at University of Utah Health who selflessly give their time and energy to improve the educational and working environment on our campus.
A Legacy of Leadership and Connection
Since joining the department in 2016, Dr. Fagerlin has made supporting and advancing faculty a core leadership responsibility. One of her most impactful initiatives is Women’s Leadership Day. Launched in June 2022, this twice-yearly event has grown into a university-wide cornerstone for professional development and community building.
When you attend a Women’s Leadership Day event, you aren't just listening to a lecture; you are connecting with a vibrant community. Dr. Fagerlin curates themes like "The Art of Setting Boundaries" and "Leading as Your Authentic Self" to address the real-world challenges you face in your career. By bringing together faculty from both the health sciences and main campus, she has revitalized networks and fostered a deep sense of belonging that helps you feel supported in your professional journey.
Driving Systemic Excellence in Health Care
True progress requires more than just events; it requires thoughtfully building an environment that values your contributions and supports work-life integration. In alignment with recent state guidelines to ensure equal opportunity and institutional neutrality (HB 261), Dr. Fagerlin continues to be a steady, principled advocate for policies that foster a welcoming culture for everyone. She understands that excellence and a supportive environment go hand-in-hand.
Whether she is opening doors for early-career faculty or advocating for flexibility during promotion decisions, Dr. Fagerlin ensures that the humanity of every individual remains at the center of her work. Her approach is future-focused and caring, reinforcing that you do not have to navigate the complexities of academic medicine alone.
The "So What?" of Dr. Fagerlin’s work is simple: a community built on belonging and mutual respect leads to better health care, more innovative research, and a stronger future. When our faculty feel supported and heard, they can better focus on the systemic factors and social determinants of health that impact our patients. Dr. Fagerlin’s commitment to building a supportive environment directly amplifies the impact of population health sciences on the world.
About Angie Fagerlin, Ph.D.
In addition to her role as department chair, Dr. Fagerlin serves as the Associate Vice President for Faculty at U of U Health. She is an internationally renowned expert in risk communication, with nearly 300 peer-reviewed articles focused on making medical information accessible. A first-generation college student, she brings an optimistic and direct voice to everything she does, proving that with the right mentorship and community, the future of health is brighter than ever.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Fagerlin’s well-deserved recognition and her ongoing dedication to pioneering a more welcoming future for all backgrounds.
