Catherine Falconer: Championing Health Equity and Child Wellbeing in Public Health Leadership
Catherine Falconer is a distinguished public health professional widely recognised for her expertise in health equity, child health, and education policy. Her career, spanning clinical practice, research, and leadership roles, reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations in the UK and beyond. Currently serving as a Harkness Fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Falconer’s work bridges public health policy and practice, focusing on addressing disparities and advancing inclusion.
This article explores Catherine Falconer’s educational background, professional journey, key experiences, and certifications, illuminating her pivotal role in shaping health equity strategies and child health improvements.
Educational Background
Foundations in Public Health and Epidemiology
Catherine Falconer’s academic journey began with rigorous training in epidemiology and public health, equipping her with the analytical skills essential for tackling complex health challenges. She holds qualifications from two of the UK’s most respected institutions:
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London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London: Here, Falconer deepened her expertise in epidemiology and public health, training in areas critical to population health improvement and health systems research.
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University of Birmingham: Falconer undertook research roles here, further honing her skills in epidemiology. This experience was instrumental in developing her understanding of chronic disease and health disparities.
Her educational foundation reflects a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical research methodologies, providing a solid base for her subsequent career in public health leadership.
Professional Experience
Early Career and Research Roles
Catherine Falconer’s early career was marked by research fellowships and associate roles focused on epidemiology and chronic disease management. Notably, she served as a Research Fellow in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and as a Research Associate at the University of Bristol and University of Birmingham. These positions allowed her to engage in critical research on Type 2 diabetes and other public health concerns.
Transition into Public Health Practice
Falconer progressed to specialty training in public health, undertaking placements across NHS acute trusts, Public Health England, and local government. During this phase, she gained vital experience in health improvement initiatives, particularly those targeting children and young people.
In 2020, she qualified as a Public Health Consultant, signifying her professional readiness to lead and influence public health practice at senior levels. Her consultant role at Somerset County Council involved leading health improvement efforts with a focus on children, young people, and broader health equity initiatives.
Leadership at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
From 2021 to 2024, Falconer held significant leadership roles at the UK Health Security Agency. As Deputy Director for Health Equity and Inclusion, she championed strategies to reduce health disparities and embed equity in health security frameworks. She also led efforts focused on children, young people, schools, and universities, addressing their unique health challenges during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her role as the COVID-19 lead for children and young people at UKHSA was particularly critical during the pandemic’s peak, where she guided policy and response strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
Current Role as Harkness Fellow and Visiting Scholar
Since 2024, Catherine Falconer has been a Harkness Fellow in Health Policy and Practice and a Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This fellowship is a prestigious award that supports public health leaders to study and exchange ideas internationally.
Her current research focuses on linking health systems with education to address chronic school absenteeism and improve health equity among children. By collaborating with institutions like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Falconer is investigating innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to tackle health and education challenges holistically.
Licenses and Certifications
Catherine Falconer holds key professional certifications that underline her expertise and credibility in public health:
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Faculty of Public Health (FPH), UK: Falconer successfully completed both Part A and Part B (OSPHE) examinations, certifying her as a fully qualified Public Health Consultant in the UK. These certifications are rigorous and demonstrate competence in public health knowledge and professional skills.
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Other Professional Credentials: Throughout her career, Falconer has accumulated essential training experiences across NHS trusts, Public Health England, and local government bodies, further enhancing her practical and leadership capabilities.
Key Contributions and Impact
Health Equity and Inclusion
One of Falconer’s defining areas of impact is in health equity — reducing avoidable disparities in health outcomes across populations. At UKHSA, she played a central role in shaping and implementing equity-focused strategies, ensuring that health security efforts consider the social determinants of health and address systemic barriers faced by marginalised groups.
Child and Youth Health
Falconer has consistently prioritised children and young people in her work. From leading health improvement programmes at local government level to guiding national COVID-19 responses for youth, she advocates for integrated policies that connect health and education sectors to promote wellbeing, resilience, and lifelong positive outcomes.
Thought Leadership and Scholarship
As Editor in Chief of the 2019 Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report, Falconer contributed to one of the UK’s most authoritative public health documents, influencing national policy and practice. Her ongoing fellowship at Johns Hopkins reflects her commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaboration.
The Importance of Falconer’s Work in Today’s Public Health Landscape
Public health faces complex challenges, from pandemic responses to addressing long-standing inequalities. Catherine Falconer’s work exemplifies the multidimensional approach needed — combining epidemiology, policy, community engagement, and education to build resilient health systems.
Her focus on children’s health and education integration is particularly significant, as it recognises that improving school attendance and wellbeing has profound effects on health outcomes and social equity.
Conclusion
Catherine Falconer stands out as a leading figure in UK public health, blending research, policy, and leadership to tackle some of the most pressing health equity issues. Her rich educational background, extensive practical experience, and professional certifications have enabled her to drive meaningful change, especially for children and vulnerable populations.
As she continues her fellowship at Johns Hopkins and expands her research, Falconer is poised to influence global health policies and inspire future public health leaders. Her dedication to inclusive health strategies and innovative collaborations underscores the evolving role of public health in fostering a fairer, healthier society.
