Leana Wen – The Renowned Public Health Leader, Former President of Planned Parenthood, and Advocate for Healthcare Reform
Key Life Event Details Name Leana Sheryle Wen Born January 27, 1983, Shanghai, China Education MD from Washington University in St. Louis, MSc in Public Health from Oxford University Notable Roles Health Commissioner of Baltimore, President of Planned Parenthood Major Contributions Led initiatives to address opioid crisis, infant mortality, and reproductive rights Published Works Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health Current Role Professor at George Washington University, Medical Analyst on CNN Leana Wen’s Impact on Public Health in 2024 In 2024, Dr. Wen continues to influence the landscape of public health. As a professor at George Washington University, she is shaping the next generation of public health leaders. Her columns in The Washington Post and appearances on CNN remain central to her efforts to promote a stronger, more equitable healthcare system. Dr. Wen’s ongoing advocacy for pandemic preparedness, mental health services, and reproductive rights ensures that she remains at the forefront of healthcare discussions in the U.S. Her expertise and passion for public health reform make her a vital voice in the fight for better healthcare policies. Leana Wen is a prominent public health leader, physician, and advocate, known for her work with Planned Parenthood and as Baltimore’s Health Commissioner. She has written extensively on public health issues, with columns in The Washington Post and appearances on CNN, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Wen is a strong advocate for expanding access to healthcare services, particularly reproductive healthcare, and has led initiatives to address public health challenges like opioid addiction and infant mortality. She earned her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in Public Health from Oxford University. Dr. Wen’s influential book, Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health, highlights her journey in medicine and the challenges facing the healthcare system. Leana Wen’s Early Life and Education Leana Wen's journey in medicine and public health began at an early age. Born in Shanghai, China, she moved to the United States at the age of eight. Growing up in Los Angeles, Dr. Wen excelled academically, entering college at the young age of 13. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in Psychology before earning her medical degree (MD) from Washington University in St. Louis. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there—Dr. Wen was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, which allowed her to study at the University of Oxford, where she obtained a Master of Science in Public Health (MSc).
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