“The best work done in global health is with and through collaboration,” keynote speaker Saad B. Omer, M.B.B.S, M.P.H., Ph.D., Dean of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, told attendees of UT Southwestern’s annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration in May.

Throughout his talk, he spoke about partnering with health professionals and engaging with the community to improve public health globally.

Keynote speaker Saad B. Omer, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., Dean of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, talks about his past research in Asia and how partnering with health professionals can impact communities globally.

Dr. Omer, an internationally recognized epidemiologist and policy adviser whose work has positively impacted communities worldwide, gave an engaging presentation called “Snapshots from Public Health Research in Asia.” He shared the impact of research he conducted on that continent, covering topics such as maternal immunization, influenza, COVID-19, and vaccine acceptance.

In Bangladesh, for example, he participated in the first clinical trial to show that vaccinating an expectant mother protects the unborn child against influenza. His team also investigated whether influenza vaccination lowered the chances of developing severe pneumonia, one of the common causes of death in the world. These studies have been replicated and implemented by other countries in support of public health.

“I believe global health starts at home,” Dr. Omer said.

Having the privilege to conduct research nationally, he’s found working to advance health in other countries to be powerful, as such studies have the potential to be expanded and improved upon. As part of the World Health Organization’s working group on COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Omer played a leading role in drafting the road map for global vaccine allocation. His efforts have improved global public health policy, practices, and legislation.

Members of the campus community absorb details of Dr. Omer’s engaging talk on epidemiological studies that have included the World Health Organization’s working group on COVID-19 vaccines.

The event, hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity, concluded with a special lion dance performance by the J.K. Wong Kung Fu Tai Chi Academy.

Jimmy Wong, the Academy’s CEO, spoke about the history and significance of the lion dance, which dates back centuries ago when a small Chinese village was threatened by bandits. The villagers stood up to the unknown invaders by crafting costumes resembling lions. They used their costumes, brightly colored and made of papier-mâché, to dance and scare off the bandits. This led the villagers to believe lion dancing would usher in good luck and ward away evil spirits. Lion dancing became part of the Chinese tradition and continues to this day, spanning multiple generations and embracing the country’s history, tradition, and culture.

Accompanied by the music of beating drums, the lion dancers allow attendees to touch them for good luck.

Vibrant in color and accompanied by the music of beating drums, the lion dancers entertained by dancing throughout the crowd, allowing attendees to touch them for good luck. Following the performance, the UTSW community had an opportunity to take photos alongside the beautifully crafted costumes.

“Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at UT Southwestern is about honoring Asian-Pacific Islander (API) contributions and promoting cultural awareness,” said Christine Duria, Senior Manager of Digital Marketing at UTSW and Chair for the Asian-Pacific Islander Alliance Business Resource Group (BRG). “It’s a time for API and allies to connect, learn, and celebrate within our community.”