Lauri K. Kalanges, MD, MPH

Lauri K. Kalanges ('04) is the Director of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section with the Texas Department of State Health Services

Why UMass Amherst Online MPH PHP?

My first career spanned 18 years with a specialty in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery in Ohio and my home state of Nevada. I pioneered two humanitarian public health programs in Nevada related to domestic violence and breast cancer. These two programs initiated my interest in public health and I decided to “follow my calling” and transition into a second career in public health. I soon realized that this mid-life career change required the requisite graduate education to fully prepare me. I chose the UMass Amherst Online MPH Public Health Practice program because the fully accredited program is part of a leading school of public health at a major, well respected university, and the courses are taught by doctorate faculty members.

How has your UMass Amherst MPH PHP helped you?

I am currently the Director of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section (HPCDPS) with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Texas, with its vast and varied geography and population, many of whom are uninsured, presents significant and ongoing public health issues especially in chronic disease. The HPCDPS promotes health and chronic disease prevention through community based programs that emphasize primary and secondary prevention through systems, policy, and environmental changes. I credit UMass Amherst Online MPH PHP with providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities for me to fulfill a successful and effective career as a public health professional. My life and professional goal is to continue to make a difference in my community. I thank UMass Amherst Online MPH PHP for helping me to continue to fulfill my goal on a daily basis.