Welcome from Dean King

It is my honor to serve as the inaugural Dean of the Georgetown University School of Health.

Our Mission

Since our formation on July 1, 2022, we have formalized our mission statement — “to advance the health and well-being of people — locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement with communities.”

This mission requires a bold change in mindset. We must interrogate the status quo, and operationalize a culture of learning that catalyzes innovation with sectors and disciplines that have not been a part of the conversation. And guided by our rich Jesuit tradition and values, it is incumbent upon us to continually integrate history in health professions education to normalize empathy, atonement, and human decency in policy and practice.

Our Calling

As we strive for a world that prioritizes health, we cannot overlook the importance of well-being.

We are called to facilitate experiences that help students identify and unleash their inherent superpowers for meaningful work, personal fulfillment and lifelong service. And through scientific inquiry, we are called to expand the body of knowledge at the intersection of well-being and physical health. In our work with communities that have been left behind, we are called to exemplify humility and compassion to foster trust in public health and health care.

Our Progress

In just three years since our school’s founding, we have achieved remarkable progress. We have recruited new talent, increased our educational portfolio with five additional graduate programs, expanded undergraduate enrollment, launched new initiatives and centers, and developed partnerships with universities and health institutions throughout the world. For generative dialogue and strategic planning in a world that is constantly changing, we have assembled a dedicated Board of Strategic Advisors who invest their time and resources to take us to the next level.

In our quest to expand the body of knowledge and advocate for systems change, the research and thought leadership of our esteemed faculty can be found in some of the most distinguished peer-reviewed journals.

Lessons learned are inspiring new degree offerings and continuing education pathways. For example, as we reflect on the effects of climate change and the predictions associated with it, a workforce with competencies at the intersection of climate, environment and health is needed.  In the fall of 2026, in partnership with Earth Commons, we will launch a joint interdisciplinary Master of Science in Climate, Environment and Health.

These accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff and students who have a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow.

Our Vision

This is legacy work. We are just getting started.

We will continue to cultivate an army of intellectual dreamers who stand in solidarity for a just and equitable world where all people can achieve optimal health and well-being.  

My life’s motto is “leave the world better than it was when you arrived.” Rest assured, this is what we will do.

With gratitude,
Christopher J. King, PhD, MHSc, FACHE
Dean, School of Health