Erica Crittendon was selected to receive a 2025 Excellence in Public Health Award from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Physician Professional Advisory Committee (PPAC). The awards program recognizes medical students across the United States who advance public health and those who exemplify the USPHS Commissioned Corps’ mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation.
Erica is a graduating medical student who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in advancing healthcare equity during medical school, particularly in the fields of HIV prevention, sexual health and women’s health. Her work in research, clinical care, and advocacy underscores her ability to make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery, especially for marginalized communities. In her work within this field, she speaks about how work in the field of HIV “harmoniously integrates compassion, social justice and scientific progress to support some of medicine’s most marginalized populations.” She recognizes that to deliver excellent public health, it is imperative to deliver that health to the most vulnerable amongst us. Erica manifests who we at the UWSOM want to lead Public Health going into the future.