Michael C. Lu MD, MS, MPH ’92 is professor and senior associate dean for academic, student & faculty affairs at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University. Lu was the Director of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2012 to 2017, during which time he transformed key federal programs in MCH, and launched major initiatives to reduce maternal, infant, and child mortality in the United States. He was on faculty at UCLA Schools of Medicine and Public Health for nearly 15 years, and was best known for his research on racial-ethnic disparities in birth outcomes from a life-course perspective.

On public health and the challenges we face

Public health will play an increasingly important role in solving some of the biggest problems facing California and the world in the coming decades, including climate change, infectious outbreaks, chronic diseases, and social inequality.

Secrets for success

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

“Berkeley moment”

Co-founding the Suitcase Clinic—it taught me a lot about social determinants of health, and broadened my vision about what being a doctor is all about.

Theme song while at Berkeley

‘Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey. The School helped me believe in myself and know that I can make a difference.