[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Abelson_Julia.jpg” caption=”Julia Abelson”]Dr. Julia Abelson has been named director for the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA) effective September 1, 2006. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, made the announcement today.

Abelson is currently an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, an associate member of the Department of Political Science, and a member of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis. She received a PhD in social and policy sciences from the University of Bath (1998), an M.Sc. in health policy and management from the Harvard School of Public Health (1991) and a B.Arts Sc. (Hon) from McMaster's Arts & Science program (1988).

In addition, Abelson holds a Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Award (2003-2008) and is a past recipient of an Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Career Scientist Award. In 2005-2006, she was one of two Canadian Associates of the Commonwealth Fund's Harkness Health Care Policy Fellows program.
Abelson's research interests include the interface between the public and health policy, the determinants of health policy decision-making and the evaluation of innovations in the organization, funding and delivery of health services. Through her research, education and service activities, she has worked with national, provincial, regional and local decision makers. She is currently a member of CIHR's health policy and systems management peer-review committee.

As part of overseeing the ongoing and new activities undertaken by the Centre, Abelson will be work closely with the leaders of the Health Services and Policy theme within Collaborations for Health. The Collaborations for Health initiative was announced in January 2005, with the goal of enhancing McMaster's reputation in health-related research and education.