Dr. Richard Carmona inspires audience to find solutions for global health challenges
The 2026 Dalen Lecture, featuring Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, mapped out the challenges facing global health in an interconnected yet unstable world, and envisioned a way forward for public health professionals to improve health for all.
In May 2026, the annual Dalen Lecture was presented by Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and a Laureate Professor in Public Health at the University of Arizona. Dr. Carmona’s lecture, Standing the Watch for Global Health Security, drew on his deep experience in global health and public health to frame the challenges we face today, and envision a path forward.
Dr. Carmona talked about how health underlies all international relations, and how recent world events and setbacks for international health organizations have undercut health security and national security around the globe. He then spoke about the opportunities that unite nations, and the potential to advance global health, peace, and prosperity.
Everyone in attendance greatly appreciated Dr. Carmona’s insights from the lecture, and the audience (both in person and online) followed up with many questions during the Question & Answer period following the lecture.
About the Dalen Lecture series
Launched in 2008, the James E. Dalen, MD, MPH, Distinguished Lecture for Health Policy was established to honor Dr. Dalen’s countless lifelong contributions to the advancement of The University of Arizona and his key role in establishing the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
A renowned cardiologist, visionary leader, and dedicated advocate for public health, Dr. Dalen passed away in 2024. He retired from the University of Arizona in 2001 after serving as Dean of the College of Medicine for thirteen years and as Vice President for Health Sciences for seven years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and the Arizona Telemedicine Program.
The annual lecture in Dr. Dalen’s name is designed to raise awareness of public health issues and introduce our audience to emerging ideas from leading experts. These distinguished scholars offer lectures and discussions to our campus community and to the public on local, state, national and international health policy issues, and connect the academic world with the “real world” of public health.
