Lehigh College of Health Institute of Health Policy and Politics Aims to Study What Influences the Process

The Lehigh University College of Health is pleased to announce it has received approval for the creation of its Institute of Health Policy and Politics (IHPP).

Directed by Dr. Eduardo J. Gómez, associate professor in the College of Health (COH), the IHPP aims to focus on research, professional training, educational and experiential internship experiences in health policy-making, and the political factors influencing this process. Faculty from across the university, such as Michael Gusmano (COH), Albert Liu (COH), Fathima Wakeel (COH), Holona Ochs (Political Science), Brian Fife (Political Science), Laura Olson (Political Science), Karen Beck Pooley (Political Science), Shin-Yi Chou (Economics), and Chad Meyerhoefer (Economics) will join Gómez in building the Institute. 

In addition to storing historical and real-time data on these issues, the IHPP will establish publication outlets. It will also provide professional training and consultation services to healthcare policy-makers in Pennsylvania and at national and global levels.

"The timing of this Institute couldn't be better,” Gómez said. “More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how vested political interests influence public health policy and how important it is to work with our communities, political representatives, and policy-makers to strengthen health systems in an equitable, inclusive, and effective manner.”

Gómez's research area of expertise is in global health politics and policy, with a focus on rising middle-income countries. Currently he is conducting research on the commercial determinants of health in such countries.

The IHPP will be housed in the COH's new Health, Science and Technology (HST) building and welcomes students and faculty from all university colleges.

Students will benefit from the IHPP internship programs, research with faculty, and involvement in a variety of IHPP publications.

The IHPP is the second institute in the COH. It joins the Institute for Indigenous Studies (IIS) under the supervision of Director Sean Daley. The IIS partners with Native communities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bolivia in holistic approaches to improving health.

"It is an exciting time in the College of Health as we continue to build on a strong foundation of research and instruction," Interim Dean Beth Dolan, Ph.D., said. "The addition of the Institute of Health Policy and Politics will leverage our faculty expertise in those areas while furthering our mission to utilize data and social science to improve health across the globe."

Those with questions or who would like additional information about the IHPP are encouraged to email edg219@lehigh.edu.