PHAA’s hosts successful In the Loop event on “Scienceploitation” with Professor Tim Caulfield
April 17/2018
By: Ramlogan Sowamber
Professor Timothy Caulfield – a self-proclaimed science geek and lover of evidence who enjoys integrating a wide range of perspectives in the pursuit of health – fascinated a crowd of more than 200 DLSPH alumni and students to debunk health myths created by pop culture on March 22 at the Public Health Association’s (PHAA) third annual In the Loop event.
left to right: Laura Rosella, Tim Caulfield, Natasha Crowcroft, Julie Foisy
Professor Caulfield’s talk began by highlighting public health myths prevalent in society. It became evident that these health myths are gaining popularity at the expense of health and even more concerning is that the general public at large accepts these myths. The focus of the night was debunking science myths and explaining how and why these myths are perpetuated throughout society.
As no surprise to the crowd, Gwyneth Paltrow’s name kept coming up throughout the night as his own book “Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash” describes how someone as influential as Gwyneth Paltrow can propagate the wrong information about public health.
Julie Foisy and Gillian Kolla
The inaugural Emerging Public Health Leader award was also recognized at the event and the PHAA announced Gillian Kolla as the recipient of this important award that recognizes leadership by using innovative approaches to change and motivate others in the area of Public Health.Kolla is a PhD candidate in Social and Behavioural Health Sciences and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work, both from McGill University. Her career to date, both academically and professionally, has focused on the barriers to health care and social services confronted by marginalized populations.