The University of Iowa College of Public Health has named Martín-J. Sepúlveda, M.D., the recipient of its 2013 Richard and Barbara Hansen Leadership Award and Distinguished Lectureship. Sepúlveda, vice president of health systems and policy research for the IBM Corporation, is recognized internationally for his leadership in improving workplace health, employee well-being, and health care delivery.

"Over his distinguished career, Dr. Sepúlveda has made substantial contributions to employee health by pioneering innovative approaches to health promotion and preventive services in the workplace. He has a broad understanding of the design and delivery of health care benefits, and has emerged as a national leader in the promotion of primary care and patient safety," says Sue Curry, dean of the College of Public Health. "We are very proud to present him with our college's highest award."

Sepúlveda will visit the UI campus Thursday, Sept. 12, to deliver the Hansen Award Lecture at 9:30 a.m. in Callaghan Auditorium (N110 CPHB). The lecture will also serve as the keynote address at “Unleashing the Power of Technology to Create Healthier Communities,” a free, half-day conference held at the College of Public Health Building that will explore how new information technologies can be used to improve health at the community level in Iowa and across the United States.

Conference registration and information are available online. No registration is needed to attend only Sepúlveda’s Hansen Award Lecture, which is free and open to the public.

In his current role at IBM, Sepúlveda leads a global team of health industry experts in conducting research to improve the performance of the health care delivery system. Previously, he served as vice president for integrated health services and led health policy, strategy, health benefits design and purchasing, occupational health, wellness, and health productivity for IBM globally. In 2009, he was named an IBM Fellow, the corporation’s most prestigious technical honor.

The Hansen Award is given annually by the UI College of Public Health to honor individuals who have made sustained contributions in the public health field. The award recognizes exemplary leadership, high ethical standards, and an enduring commitment to improving health on a national and international level. The award is made possible by a gift from Richard and Barbara Hansen of Iowa City.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this lecture, contact Ryan Bell in advance at 319-384-1500 or at ryan-bell@uiowa.edu.