The Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Ehrlich, MD, MPH, as the associate director of the center's Data Collaborative Core. Ehrlich will work closely with Akbar Waljee, MD, director of the Data Collaborative Core, to advance the center's efforts to improve global health scholarship through innovative data solutions.
Ehrlich holds multiple appointments at the University of Michigan including the Paul R. Lichter research professor of ophthalmology, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, and research associate professor at the Institute for Social Research. He is renowned for his dual role as a clinician-scientist, where he specializes in both the clinical care of glaucoma, cataract, and anterior segment disease patients and in conducting epidemiologic and health services research. His extensive research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and several private foundations, focuses on the adverse impacts of vision impairment on health, disability, and quality of life in older adults.
Ehrlich's academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in anthropology and Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis. He earned his medical degree with honors in research from Cornell University and a Master’s of Public Health from Columbia University, concentrating on epidemiology. Following his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital, he completed clinical and research fellowships in glaucoma and anterior segment disease at the University of Michigan.
Over his career, Ehrlich has garnered numerous accolades and prestigious roles, including serving as an invited member of the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health, the Advisory Board for the Center for Vision and Population Health at Prevent Blindness, and the editorial board of Ophthalmic Epidemiology. He also holds leadership roles in a longitudinal cohort study on health and aging in Kenya and a research capacity strengthening project in India.
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In his new role as associate director, Ehrlich will play a crucial part in co-developing and implementing the strategic vision of the Data Collaborative Core. He will also work to strengthen internal and external partnerships, enhance the usage and sharing of data, and identify champions across the University of Michigan campus to advocate for the Data Collaborative Core.
"We are thrilled to welcome Josh Ehrlich to our team," said Akbar Waljee. "His unique expertise as a clinician and a researcher exploring the impact of aging and socioeconomic factors on health brings invaluable insights that will enhance the impact and reach of our Data Collaborative Core. Ehrlich’s commitment to advancing health equity aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited for the innovative contributions he will make in this leadership role."
