Past OBOC Programs

Clockwise from top left: Interdisciplinary panel on cancer research (2017–18); Reading of the play, An Enemy of the People (2010–11); Donation of care cart items to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (2017–18); Introduction to speakers at the cancer research panel (2017–2018); Attendees of the 2014 Porter Prize lecture (2014–15); Panel at the Death by Fentanyl lecture (2015–16); Meet and greet at the 2014 Porter Prize event (2014–15); Attendees of the screening of Snow (2011–12) (center)

Each year since 2009, Pitt Public Health has invited students, faculty, alumni, and friends to come together as a community to read and discuss books that draw attention to contemporary concerns in public health or topics that the Dean believes are relevant to the Pitt Public Health community. These topics have ranged from the eradication of a worldwide pandemic, to the rising rates of obesity in America, to the opioid epidemic, to exploring cancer as an interdisciplinary topic.

2018–19 marks the tenth year of One Book One Community. As in past years, our program aims to provide the Pitt Public Health community with opportunities to connect the corresponding year’s book to a signature event. We have hosted One Book authors who visited Pitt Public Health to speak about their work, including: D. A. Henderson, Michael Moss, and Sam Quinones. We have also come together to watch pertinent film and plays, even hosting the world premiere of How I Live and the Pittsburgh premiere of Snow.

As our community grows, so does our programming. We joined Facebook in 2012 to stay connected with community members. A read along program was established in the seventh year in an effort to get more alumni involved. In our ninth year, a service component was added which included: Colors of Support—an art installation display to show the Pitt Public Health community’s dedication to cancer awareness, activism, and prevention and a collection of care cart package items (blankets, socks, mints) to donate to the Hillman Cancer Center.

If you are interested in finding out more specific information about past OBOC programs, click on any year’s link.

Clockwise from top left: Panel discussion after A Sense of Wonder film viewing (2012–13); Sam Quinones talk on the opioid epidemic (2015–16); Question and answer session with author D. A. Henderson (2009–10); Death by Fentanyl screening and panel discussion (2015–16); Attendees of D.A. Henderson’s presentation (2009–10); Audience at Dean Burke’s lecture on the opioid epidemic (2015–16); Speakers at the 2014 Porter Prize panel (2013–14); Jennifer Silva Lecture (2016–17) (center)

OBOC Books Over The Years

2009

Smallpox: The Death of a Disease - D. A. Henderson

An Enemy of the People636658093883577106

2010
An Enemy of the People - Henrik Ibsen

2011
The Ghost Map - Steven Johnson

2012
Silent Spring - Rachel Carson

2013
Salt, Sugar, Fat - Michael Moss

2014
Take the Lead - Betsy Myers

2015
Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic - Sam Quinones

2016
Our Kids: The American Dream Crisis - Robert Putnam

2017
The Emperor of All Maladies - Siddhartha Mukherjee