Scutchfield to Receive Prestigious National Public Health Award

Lexington, Ky. (October 1, 2019) – Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield, the Peter P. Bosomworth professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, will be recognized at the 2019 American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo in Philadelphia on Nov. 5.

Scutchfield is receiving the Sedgwick Memorial Medal for Distinguished Service in Public Health. This award, known as the most prestigious award offered from the APHA, is named in honor of the late Professor William Thompson Sedgwick. Recipients of this award are of high esteem, as they are nominated by their colleagues and recognized for their dedication to service and accomplishment in the field of public health.

Scutchfield, or “Scutch,” as he is known by his colleagues, is the founding dean of UK’s College of Public Health and a native of rural Kentucky. After beginning his academia career here at UK he moved to the University of Alabama, and then to San Diego State University, where he founded its Graduate School of Public Health. Scutchfield then returned to UK and established the College of Public Health. Nearly two decades later, he is being recognized for his loyalty and dedication to this field.

The current College of Public Health Dean Donna K. Arnett is, as many are, impressed by Scutchfield’s achievements. However, she says it’s not his professional history that sets him apart. “The legacy of Dr. Scutchfield is his commitment to service – to the discipline of public health, to the academic and medical communities, and to those of us who are fortunate enough to work with him,” says Arnett. According to her, there is no one better fit to represent this university to the APHA.