Helena Chapman

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Bio

Helena Chapman is a Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. She also supports the NASA Applied Sciences Program (Booz Allen Hamilton) as Associate Program Manager for Health and Air Quality Applications. In this focus area, her team promotes the use of Earth observation data in public health applications, related to air quality management and infectious disease prevention and control. She also serves as the Executive Coordinator of the GEO Health Community of Practice and Earth Observations for Health (EO4Health) Initiative. Prior to this position, she was a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow in the NASA Applied Sciences Program. She also was a Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where she worked on the Veterans and Agent Orange: 11th Biennial Update consensus study.

Trained in medicine, epidemiology, and environmental health (One Health), Dr. Helena Chapman is passionate about promoting transdisciplinary health collaborations that investigate and mitigate health risks of humans, animals, and ecosystems. By integrating social science concepts and the One Health approach, her research has examined the determinants of health that influence risk associated with tuberculosis and dengue transmission in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Her dissertation research examined the "knowledge-action" gap among health care workers regarding adherence to tuberculosis infection control measures in tertiary-level health institutions in the Dominican Republic.

Her global health practice activities focus on building capacity for health professions education and training programs that prepare the global health workforce to better understand and mitigate environmental health risks across all communities. She was founding member and current advisor of the first Dominican Republic (non-governmental) medical student organization (Organización Dominicana de Estudiantes de Medicina, ODEM), with the primary mission to strengthen medical students’ collaborations focusing on leadership, research, and health education outreach across communities in the Dominican Republic. She serves as the Editor in Chief of the World Medical Journal (official journal of the World Medical Association) and previously as the Publications Director of the Junior Doctors Network, where she encouraged junior doctors to share their local, national, and international leadership and professional activities with the global audience. She currently is a member of the One Health Initiative Autonomous pro bono team and leader of the One Health Commission's One Health Social Sciences Initiative.

She received her PhD in Public Health (One Health) and MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Florida. She holds an MD from the Iberoamerican University in the Dominican Republic.

Expertise

Expertise:

Environmental and Occupational Health

Epidemiology

Global Health

Health Professions

Infectious Disease

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy (Public Health/One Health), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Internship, Centers for Diagnosis, Advanced Medicine, and Telemedicine (CEDIMAT), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Doctor of Medicine, Iberoamerican University, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Bachelor of Science (Integrative Biology), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Teaching:

George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, D.C.

Instructor for PUBH 6128 Global Environmental and Occupational Health (2-credits), Spring 2019 − present
Instructor for PUBH 6011 Environmental and Biological Foundations of Public Health (3-credits), Fall 2020 − present
Instructor for PUBH 6530 Qualitative Research Methods (2-credits), Summer 2022

Universidad Católica del Cibao's School of Health Sciences, La Vega, Dominican Republic

Instructor for MSP-102 One Health (1-credit) (Spanish), Summer 2021-2022

Previous Teaching Experiences

University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL

Graduate Teaching Assistant for PHC6313 Environmental Health Concepts (3-credits)

Iberoamerican University's School of Medicine, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Adjunct Professor for M12-280 Problem-Based Learning (3-credits) (English, Spanish) and M12-380 Preventive Medicine and Public Health (2-credits) (English)
Instructor for Online Diploma in Primary Care and Public Health (Spanish), InterAmerican Development Bank (Site: La Vega, Dominican Republic)
Graduate Teaching Assistant for PRM100 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (3-credits) (Spanish)

Community Service:

Community Leadership

Honorary Diplomate, American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES) (2020−present)
Volunteer, Smithsonian Associates (2020−present)
Co-Chair, One Health Social Sciences Initiative (2019−present); Co-Chair, Publications and Mapping One Health Researchers Working Groups, One Health Social Sciences Initiative (2017−2019), One Health Commission
Outreach Educator, Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World exhibit, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2018−present)
Founder and National Advisor, IFMSA-Dominican Republic (Organización Dominicana de Estudiantes de Medicina, ODEM) (2012−present)
Mentor, Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Academy of Leadership, University of Florida (2014−2016)
Spanish-English Language Medical Translator, Shriners Hospital for Children's Orthopaedic Clinic and Prosthetics in Dominican Republic (2008−2012)

Editorial Positions

Editor in Chief, World Medical Association's World Medical Journal (2022−present); Publications Director, World Medical Association's Junior Doctors Network Newsletter (2018−2021)
Associate Editor, Kansas State University's One Health Newsletter (2013−present); Journal of Science Policy & Governance (2018−2019); International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) Medical Student International, The Morning SCOPHian (Public Health), SCOMEDy (Medical Education), The SCORPion (Human Rights), Heartbeat of the Americas Region, Afromedica Scientific Journal, Auscultate of the African Region (2010−2014)
Advisor, Support Committee of Junior Investigators of Research, International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS) (2011−2013)

Advisory Positions

GeoHealth Science Advisor, Eos (2021−present)
Autonomous pro bono Team, One Health Initiative (2019−present); Honorary Advisory Board Member, One Health Initiative website (2017−present)
Consultant, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Rodents, Reptiles, and Poultry Contact Compendium (2017−2022)

Research

Research:

Dr. Chapman's research interests focus on strengthening global health education, practice, and research related to the prevention and management of tropical infectious diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean. By integrating social science concepts and the One Health approach, her research has examined the determinants of health that influence risk associated with tuberculosis and dengue transmission in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Her global health practice activities focus on building capacity for health professions education and training programs that prepare the global health workforce to better understand and mitigate environmental health risks across all communities.

Her previous research studies have integrated qualitative research methods to explore health workers’ perceived challenges for dengue prevention and control strategies in the Dominican Republic. Study findings highlighted the complex interplay of economic, environmental, health, political, and social factors that influenced individual and community adherence to recommended dengue and tuberculosis prevention and control measures.

Dr. Chapman's current research and community practice interests include:

Exploring the “Knowledge-Action” Gap among Health Workers on Adherence to Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Practices
Strengthening Health Professions Education and Training in Latin America and the Caribbean
Understanding Veterans' Physical and Psychosocial Health Concerns related to Post-deployment Reintegration
Using Satellite Data and Citizen Science Applications to Examine Ecosystem Changes, Zoonotic Disease Research, and One Health Education

Publications

Publications:

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Use of the Seven Touches of Outreach model: Supporting vocational and employment opportunities for National Guard/Reservists’ post-deployment transition. Career Development Network Journal. 2022. (In press)

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Primary care challenges in addressing veterans’ post-deployment mental Health. Family Medicine. 2022;54(8):656-657.

Caraballo-Lorenzo MY, Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. World Diabetes Day 2022: A global call to action to improve diabetes care. World Medical Journal. 2022;71(4):101−105.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Promoting holistic patient-centered care. Clinical Teacher. 2022;19(6):e13546.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Integrating One Health topics to enhance health workers’ leadership in health promotion activities. Global Health Promotion. 2022:1-6.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. World Tuberculosis Day 2022: A closer look at the Dominican Republic. World Medical Journal. 2022;69(2):35-38.

Varela K, Brown JA, Lipton B, Dunn J, Stanek D, Behravesh CB, Chapman H, Conger TH, Vanover T, Edling T, Holzbauer S, Lennox AM, Lindquist S, Loerzel S, Mehlenbacher S, Mitchell M, Murphy M, Olsen CW, Yager CM. A review of zoonotic disease threats to pet owners: a compendium of measures to prevent zoonotic diseases associated with non-traditional pets such as rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, backyard poultry, and other selected animals. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2022;22(6):303-360.

Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. Strengthening national response for methanol toxicity outbreaks in the Americas. MEDICC Review. 2022;24(2):33-34.

Chapman HJ, Judd LM. Adding satellite data to health curricula. Clinical Teacher. 2022;19(2):183.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen tuberculosis infection control: A rapid review. Global Health: Science and Practice. 2021;9(4):964-977.

Chapman HJ. Junior doctors lead a global call to action to promote multidisciplinary collaborations. Junior Doctors Network Newsletter. 2021 Oct;0(24):36−39.

Asrar FM, Saint-Jacques D, Chapman HJ, Williams D, Ravan S, Upshur R, Clark JB. Can space based technologies help in the monitoring, mitigation and prevention of pandemics? Nature Medicine. 2021.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Valuable mentorship in pre-medical education. Clinical Teacher. 2021;18(3):313.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Florence Nightingale’s leadership in community health nursing practice: Using a holistic lens. Perspectives in Public Health. 2021;141(1):17−18.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. One Health and veterans' post-deployment health. Clinical Teacher. 2020;17:1−8.

Chapman HJ. One Health research, education, and mentorship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Junior Doctors Network Newsletter. 2020 Jul;0(19):22−25. https://www.wma.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/JDN_19NL_July2020.pdf

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. VA unpacks initiatives for returning troops. ARMY Magazine. 2020;70(9):48-50. https://www.ausa.org/publications/army-magazine

Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. Strategies needed to ensure higher immunization rates in the Americas. MEDICC Review. 2020;22(3):7.

Chapman HJ. Providing mentorship to encourage scientific publications: academic workshop in the Dominican Republic. Junior Doctors Network Newsletter. 2020 Apr;0(18):35−38. https://www.wma.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/JDN_18NL_April2020.pdf

Chapman HJ. Clinical practice guidelines: exploring the “knowledge-action” gap in the Dominican Republic. Junior Doctors Network Newsletter. 2020 Mar;0(17):17−19. https://www.wma.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/JDN_17NL_MedicalEthics_Mar2020.pdf

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Strengthening global health content in health professions curricula. Health Education Journal. 2020;79(7):839-850.

Oyewole BK, Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ A survey on the effectiveness of WhatsApp for teaching doctors preparing for a licensing exam. PLoS ONE. 2020;15(4):e0231148.

Chapman HJ, Dunham B. Engaging with One Health audiences. Clinical Teacher. 2019;16:1−4.

Séraphin MN, Hsu H, Chapman HJ, de Andrade Bezerra JL, Johnston L, Yang Y, Lauzardo M. Timing of treatment interruption among latently infected tuberculosis cases treated with a nine-month course of daily isoniazid: findings from a time to event analysis. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):1214.

Oyewole BK, Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ. Increasing research productivity across Africa. MEDICC Review. 2019;21(2−3):75.

Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ, Oyewole BK. Social media to guide One Health initiatives. Clinical Teacher. 2019;16:1−3.

Rudert JB, Chapman HJ. Evaluating service-connected occupational exposure. Clinical Teacher. 2019;16:85−86.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Addressing combat Veterans’ health challenges in postdeployment reintegration. Academic Medicine. 2019;94(1):9.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA, Pomeranz JL, Pérez-Then EN, Marcelino B, Lauzardo M. Health care workers’ recommendations for strengthening tuberculosis infection control in the Dominican Republic. Pan American Journal of Public Health. 2018;42:e169.

Chapman HJ, Animasahun VJ. Medical students as human resources for health to promote effective physician-patient communication. Perspectives in Public Health. 2018;138(6):295.

Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. Strengthening national health priorities for diabetes prevention and management. MEDICC Review. 2018;20(4):5.

Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. Rapid response to ensure diphtheria control in the Dominican Republic. MEDICC Review. 2018;20(3):5.

Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ. Lassa fever in Nigeria: The tale of a reactive health system. Lancet. 2018;391(10132):1769.

Oyewole BK, Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ. Tobacco use in Nigerian youth: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2018;13(5):e0196362.

Chapman HJ, Armas Pérez L, Lauzardo M, González Ochoa E. Moving closer to tuberculosis elimination through scientific institutional collaboration: Opportunities for Cuba and the United States. MEDICC Review. 2018;20(2):59−63.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Nursing leadership for universal health. MEDICC Review. 2018;20(1):5.

Mathewson-Chapman M, Chapman HJ. Addressing military cultural competence in medical education. Academic Medicine. 2017;92(12):1653−1654.

Veras-Estévez BA, Chapman HJ. Health workers’ perceived challenges for dengue prevention and control in the Dominican Republic. MEDICC Review. 2017:19(4):26−34.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA, Pomeranz JL, Pérez-Then EN, Marcelino B, Lauzardo M. The role of powerlessness among health care workers in tuberculosis infection control. Qualitative Health Research. 2017;27(14):2116−2127.

Fagerberg SK, Chapman HJ, Buowari YO, Mattar C. Antibiotic stewardship: Future steps to reduce antimicrobial resistance in the global and clinical setting. World Medical Journal. 2017;63(2):25−30.

Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ. Psychosocial health challenges of the elderly in Nigeria: A narrative review. African Health Sciences. 2017;17(2):575−583.

Chapman HJ, Animasahun VJ. More on medical education in Africa. Academic Medicine. 2017;92(5):571−572.

Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA, Pomeranz JL, Pérez-Then EN, Marcelino B, Lauzardo M. Perceived barriers to adherence to tuberculosis infection control measures among health care workers in the Dominican Republic. MEDICC Review. 2017;19(1):16−22.

Opawale OA, Animasahun VJ, Chapman HJ. Prevalence of communication between mothers and daughters on sexuality and associated factors in Sagamu, southwest Nigeria. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2017.

Chapman HJ, Mattar C, Ore AS, Fagerberg SK, Ramachandran R, Tun W, Wiley E. One Health and antimicrobial resistance. World Medical Journal. 2016;62(3):108−111.

Chapman HJ, Armas Pérez L. Innovative Tuberculosis Symposium held during Cuba Salud 2015. Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2016;101:41−43.

Chapman HJ, Bottentuit-Rocha J. Medical students’ perceptions about the added educational value of student-run HIV/AIDS educational campaigns in the Dominican Republic. Global Health Research and Policy. 2016;1:12.

Chapman HJ. An example of solidarity in universal population health coverage. MEDICC Review. 2016;18(3):5.

Chapman HJ. Holistic approach in preventing spread of infectious diseases: A Cuban example. Perspectives in Public Health. 2016;136(4):189.

Chapman HJ, Animasahun VJ, Tade AE, Naveed A. Addressing the role of medical students using community mobilization and social media in the ebola response. Perspectives on Medical Education. 2016;5(3):186−190.

Bhat S, Cherian AV, Bhat A, Chapman HJ, Lukose A, Patwardhan N, Satyanarayana V, Ramakrishna J. Factors affecting psychosocial well-being and quality of life among women living with HIV/AIDS. Nitte University Journal of Health Science. 2015;5(4):66−76.

Feris-Iglesias J, Pérez-Then E, Gómez V, Fernández J, Marte J, de la Cruz C, Díaz A, Chapman H. [Antibiotic prescription practices before and after an educational intervention in a country where the re-certification process is not obligatory]. Revista Médica de Risaralda. 2015;21(1):75−77. Spanish.

Chapman HJ, Phillips SA, Hosford JL, Séraphin MN, Lauzardo M. Is the Beijing strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with cavitary lung disease? Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2015;33:1−5.

Chapman HJ, Lauzardo M. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2014;27(5):704−712.

Padilla MB, Reyes AM, Connolly M, Natsui S, Puello A, Chapman H. Examining the policy climate for HIV prevention in the Caribbean tourism sector: A qualitative study of policy makers in the Dominican Republic. Health Policy and Planning. 2012;27(3):245−255.

Chapman HJ, Diloné JC, Taveras RC, Segura CM, Cargas WG, Abreu R. [Glioblastoma multiforme: A clinical case. Professor Juan Bosch Trauma and Surgical Hospital, La Vega. Department of Neurosurgery. June 2010.]. Revista Científica del Colegio Médico Provincial La Vega, Filial del Colegio Médico Dominicano. 2011;18(1):74−77. Spanish.

Chapman HJ, Veras BA. [Knowledge, attitudes and practices of infected populations with dengue in the Dominican Republic]. Revista Colegio Médico Dominicano Filiar de Santiago. 2006;8(2):11−15. Spanish.