Michael Silverstein, professor of health services, policy and practice and director of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, was appointed vice chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to a Wednesday morning press release by the task force.
The USPSTF is a “panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine” that makes recommendations about “screenings, counseling services and preventive medications,” according to the organization’s website. Silverstein previously served on the task force as a member between 2016 and 2020, according to a University news release Wednesday.
“I’m honored to be part of the Task Force’s leadership team and to help advance its health equity agenda,” Silverstein wrote in an email to The Herald.
“The task force is dedicated to using evidence to improve the health of Americans and to addressing critical issues of health equity,” he said in the University news release. “I'm excited to help steer the task force's work in a way that maximizes its positive impact.”
“One of the most exciting aspects of the Task Force is the ability to work across clinical disciplines to derive impactful recommendations for front line clinicians and their patients,” Silverstein wrote to The Herald.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Silverstein back to the task force as vice chair,” USPSTF Chair Michael Barry said in the task force news release. “His clinical and research expertise in pediatrics and dedication to improving the delivery of mental health services to children and families will provide important perspectives to our work.”
“As a leader in the methods of making evidence-based recommendations, I look forward to working with Dr. Silverstein to help prevent disease and prolong health,” Barry added.
According to the University news release, Silverstein’s research focuses on preventing depression among “mothers experiencing social disadvantage and caregivers of vulnerable children.” At Brown, he also previously taught PHP 2023: “Maternal and Child Health in the United States.”
As director of the Hassenfeld Institute since November 2021, Silverstein oversaw the Hassenfeld Summer Scholars Program, a 10-week child health research program for undergraduate, graduate and medical students. He also oversaw partnerships to study child health and learning disparities in Central Falls, R.I.
Interim Dean of the School of Public Health Ronald Aubert praised Silverstein’s clinical experience and qualifications.
The SPH is “confident (Silverstein’s) past experience and knowledge of evidence-based medicine will serve the task force well,” Aubert said in the University news release. “We look forward to all that will be accomplished under his leadership.”
Neil Mehta is the editor-in-chief and president of the Brown Daily Herald's 134th editorial board. They study public health and statistics at Brown. Outside the office, you can find Neil baking and playing Tetris.
