The director of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities visits Elon next week as part of the Voices of Discovery series to discuss challenges posed by gaps in health care between the people of developed nations and Third World countries.
John Ruffin, as the federal official for minority health disparities research, developed and implemented the largest biomedical research program in the nation to promote research into issues affecting minority health and other health disparities. His work with the National Institute of Health has also created new opportunities for minority and health disparity students and faculty.
He visits campus on Monday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCrary Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The talk is titled, “Health Disparities: A Global Challenge.”
Ruffin is the recipient of the Samuel L. Kountz Award for his efforts to increase minority access and participation in organ and tissue transplants; the NIH Director’s Award; the National Hispanic Leadership Award; and the U.S. Presidential Merit Award, among other honors. The New Orleans native received his undergraduate degree from Dillard University in his home city and a master’s degree from Atlanta University. He earned his doctorate at Kansas State University and conducted postdoctoral studies at Harvard University.
Ruffin’s visit is part of Elon’s Voices of Discovery science speaker series, sponsored by Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. The series invites noted scholars in science and mathematics to Elon to share their knowledge and experience with students.