Global Health Equity Center Directorship Named for Tachi and Leslie Yamada

The directorship of the University of Michigan’s Center for Global Health Equity has been named for Tachi and Leslie Yamada to recognize the key role they have played in the launch and development of the interdisciplinary center for scholarship, collaboration, and impact in global health equity. This endowed directorship marks a significant milestone for the center, which was launched in 2021 following a transformative gift to the University from the Yamada family.

“The establishment of the Leslie D. Yamada and Tachi Yamada M.D. Directorship significantly strengthens our commitment to global health and interdisciplinary engagement for impact in low-resource settings. This prestigious position will empower us to further our mission of creating sustainable health solutions. We are immensely grateful to the Yamada family for their extraordinary support and vision,” said Laurie McCauley, provost of the University of Michigan.

Current director and founder of the center, Joseph C. Kolars, MD and his successors will hold the title, Leslie D. Yamada and Tachi Yamada M.D. Director, University of Michigan Center for Global Health Equity, which was approved by the U-M Board of Regents on July 18, 2024.

“This named directorship is not only a monumental gift to the U-M community, but also a tremendous leap forward in our collective efforts to address global health disparities. The Yamada family's contribution magnifies the impact we can have on health systems and communities worldwide. We look forward to the continued advancements and collaborations that will emerge from this esteemed position,” said Marshall Runge, MD, PhD, chief executive officer of Michigan Medicine and dean of the medical school at the University of Michigan.

Elevating Global Health Equity Scholarship at the University of Michigan

The Yamada family's extraordinary contribution underscores their commitment to transformative global health initiatives, aligning seamlessly with the Center's core mission to prevent disease and improve health outcomes through equitable and sustainable practices. The Center for Global Health Equity is driven by a vision of communities where all individuals can achieve optimal mental and physical health, irrespective of geographical and socioeconomic barriers.
“Our ambition is to foster collaborative partnerships across U-M and with global entities to create impactful health solutions. This named directorship is a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex health challenges,” said Kolars.

Global Health Trailblazers with U-M Roots
The Yamada family's engagement with the University of Michigan began in 1983 when Tachi Yamada joined the Medical School as chief of gastroenterology, later ascending to chair the Department of Internal Medicine. Tachi Yamada's illustrious career spanned leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry and pivotal work in global health through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation deeply informs the Center’s mission. He passed away at the age of 76 in 2021.

Leslie Yamada, an alumna of New York University and a dedicated advocate for community service and the arts, continues to embody the spirit of meaningful, community-driven change through her board roles and philanthropic efforts.

"The Leslie D. Yamada and Tachi Yamada M.D. Director will be instrumental in advancing our Center's mission, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and spearheading initiatives with tangible global health impacts," said Akbar Waljee, MD, assistant dean for global health research at Michigan Medicine. "This directorship honors the Yamadas' visionary contributions and their emphasis on low resource settings around the world.”

Further acknowledging an era of transformation for the center, Matthew Boulton, MD, MPH senior associate dean for global public health at the School of Public Health and associate director for the Center for Global Health Equity emphasized: “The Yamadas’ visionary support to the Center allows us to expand our reach and enhance the impact of our interdisciplinary endeavors. This directorship will further empower us to foster new collaborations with global partners and communities in operable and innovative ways.”

Under the aegis of this newly named directorship, the Center for Global Health Equity is poised to accelerate its mission across multiple communities, leveraging academic excellence and global partnerships to improve health outcomes and create a healthier, more equitable world.