Julio Frenk

Julio Frenk recently concluded his six-year term as the Minister of Health of Mexico. In addition to strengthening public health programs, his central contribution was an ambitious reform to provide universal health insurance. This program is expanding access to quality care and financial protection for 50 million Mexicans, most of them poor, who were uninsured.

Since February 1, 2007, Julio Frenk is Senior Fellow at the Global Health Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he provides advice on strategies and programs. His career has also included executive positions at the World Health Organization and the Mexican Health Foundation. He was the founding Director-General of the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico, was a Visiting Professor at Harvard University, and was awarded the position of National Researcher in his country. He is a member of several professional associations, including the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico and the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science in the United States.

His written production includes 29 books and monographs, 49 book chapters, 94 articles in academic journals, and 106 articles in cultural periodicals and newspapers. Two of his books are best-selling novels for youngsters explaining the functions of the human body.
Dr. Frenk holds a medical degree from the National University of Mexico, as well as a Master’s of Public Health and a joint doctorate in Medical Care Organization and in Sociology from the University of Michigan.

In summary, Dr. Julio Frenk has gained substantial experience over a 25-year career covering leadership positions in all major aspects of public health: research, teaching, independent policy analysis, institution building, international cooperation, and national public service.