Andreea Creanga Appointed as Chair of Epidemiology and Public Health
BALTIMORE — The University of Maryland School of Medicine has announced the appointment of Dr. Andreea Creanga, a prominent figure in maternal and perinatal health, as the new Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. This esteemed role begins in December 2025 and recognizes Dr. Creanga's extensive contributions to the field.
Background and Expertise in Maternal Health
Dr. Creanga comes to this position with an impressive background as a Professor and Associate Director of the International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her work centers around enhancing perinatal quality and safety interventions both domestically and internationally, using innovative measurement and data science techniques.
The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health itself is a powerhouse with seven divisions and eleven programs dedicated to improving population health outcomes. Over the past 16 years, it has consistently ranked among the top departments in public medical schools.
Focus Areas and Future Initiatives
As the chair, Dr. Creanga will supervise a team that includes 58 primary faculty members and 57 staff, along with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She is poised to drive significant initiatives within the department, emphasizing the integration of bioinformatics and data science as well as the creation of a new division dedicated to maternal health.
A key aspect of her mission will be launching new interventions that bridge clinical medicine and public health, alongside an anticipated expansion of the Master in Public Health program. Her leadership is expected to enhance collaboration within the university and further advance public health research.
Achievements and Contributions to Public Health
Dr. Creanga’s work has garnered over $40 million in funding from various agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Among her notable initiatives is the Maryland Maternal Health Innovation Program (MDMOM), which focuses on innovative ways to collect data and improve quality in maternal care at 32 birthing hospitals across Maryland.
She plays a pivotal role nationally as the Principal Investigator of the Maternal Health Data Innovation and Coordination Hub, which supports collaboration among twelve NIH-funded Maternal Health Research Centers. This program fortifies maternal health research, aiming to deliver standardized tools and resources that enhance the field.
Transition of Leadership in Epidemiology and Public Health
Dr. Creanga succeeds Dr. Anthony D. Harris, who has served as Acting Chair since August 2024. Under Dr. Harris’s leadership, the department successfully navigated challenges, securing alternative funding and fostering changes that led to increased enrollment in the Master of Public Health program.
Dr. Harris, along with past Chair Dr. Jay Magaziner, has made substantial contributions towards the growth of the department, which now encompasses a broader spectrum of public health disciplines, including infection control and healthcare outcomes research.
Commitment to Advancing Maternal Health
Throughout her career, Dr. Creanga has published more than 130 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of maternal mortality and morbidity. Her expertise extends globally, where she collaborates with the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
Dr. Creanga's selection symbolizes a commitment to promoting health equity and fostering data-driven public health initiatives. "I am excited to lead the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. Our mission will continue to impact research, education, and community engagement in the coming years," she stated enthusiastically.
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Founded in 1807, the University of Maryland School of Medicine stood as the first public medical institution in the U.S. Today, it is recognized as one of the leading biomedical research enterprises. The school boasts a robust network with nearly $500 million in total research funding, over 2,200 student trainees, and more than 3,000 faculty members, many of whom are distinguished scholars.
As the largest public medical school in the region, the faculty is committed to addressing pressing health challenges while pioneering new technologies in medical research. The School's influence extends worldwide, with projects and innovations being implemented in over 33 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Andreea Creanga?
Dr. Andreea Creanga is an acclaimed maternal health expert recently appointed as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
What initiatives will Dr. Creanga oversee?
She will lead programs focusing on bioinformatics, maternal health, and the expansion of the Master in Public Health program.
How is Dr. Creanga’s work funded?
Her research has been supported by over $40 million in grants from agencies like the NIH and the World Health Organization.
What is the goal of the Maryland Maternal Health Innovation Program?
The program aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and improve maternal health in Maryland through innovative data collection and quality improvement strategies.
What is the history of the University of Maryland School of Medicine?
Established in 1807, it is the first public medical school in the U.S. and ranks among the leading biomedical research institutions globally.
