UAB School of Public Health

05/27/2026

Did you know that Seville’s Real Alcázar was once the financial and bureaucratic engine of the Spanish Empire’s global explorations? It’s where Christopher Columbus met with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella after his first transatlantic voyage. It was incredible to walk the very same halls today!

Check out our blog to learn more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/27/sevilles-royal-roots-inside-the-real-alcazar/

05/26/2026

Following nearly eight years of leadership at the UAB School of Public Health, Paul Erwin, M.D., DrPH, has announced plans to retire as dean as of Sept. 30, 2026. Erwin has led the school to new heights since taking the reins in 2018, expanding academic programs, growing the faculty and staff, and elevating its national profile. A nationwide search for the next dean of the UAB School of Public Health will begin soon.

Read more here:

UAB School of Public Health Dean Erwin to retire

05/26/2026

Walking through history in Córdoba!

We spent the day exploring how this incredible city became a crossroads of cultures, where Islamic, Christian, and Jewish histories beautifully intertwine. From the breathtaking layers of architecture inside the Mosque-Cathedral to learning about ancient Roman infrastructure and the city’s protector, Saint Raphael, it’s amazing to see how deeply history, culture, and community health are connected.

Read more about our day in Córdoba: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/26/walking-through-history-in-cordoba/

05/25/2026

Seville days = public health, but make it hands-on.

From meeting with local organizations to giving back in the community, students got a real look at how health shows up in everyday life. Plus, learning about the Mediterranean diet hits different when you’re actually cooking it yourself!

Exploring, learning, eating… not a bad classroom!

Read more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/25/seville-exploration/

05/24/2026

POV: Making gazpacho with SOPH 🥒🍅🇪🇸

05/23/2026

Day 6 in Portugal reminded us that healthcare is about so much more than hospitals and policies, it’s about people. From learning about patient-centered care to seeing how compassion and dignity are woven into healthcare delivery, today challenged us to think about what it truly means to care for a community.

These experiences continue to deepen our understanding of population health, health equity, and the human side of public health, lessons we’ll carry back home with us.

Read more about today’s experiences here:
https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/23/where-healthcare-meets-humanity-day-6-in-portugal/

05/22/2026

We thought we were in pain… turns out we were just in Spain! 🇪🇸

05/22/2026

From learning about Lisbon’s public health history to hearing how NOVA is tackling today’s challenges, today was a reminder that public health is always changing and growing.

We had great conversations about health systems, research, and the importance of community partnerships in improving health outcomes. A meaningful day of learning and connection in Lisbon!

Read more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/22/public-health-then-and-now-insights-from-lisbon-and-nova/

05/20/2026

Today, UAB students visited the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Center at the Universidade de Lisboa to learn how Portugal’s healthcare system supports patients recovering from cardiovascular events through accessible rehabilitation, exercise, and education.

Later, we experienced Lisbon’s rich cultural history in Alfama through a traditional Fado performance — a powerful expression of longing, resilience, and community.

Read more: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/20/learning-through-comparison/

05/19/2026

Today we explored the culture, history, and breathtaking views of Sintra, Portugal. From colorful palaces to ancient castle ruins, every corner felt like stepping into a storybook.

Read more about our day in Sintra: https://sites.uab.edu/exploringpopulationhealth/2026/05/19/portuguese-culture-and-history-a-day-in-sintra/

05/18/2026

After visiting the Cardiac Rehab Center at the University of Lisbon, we took their advice to ❤️ and got our 10K steps!