Dr. Jennifer Avegno is a New Orleans native who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Tulane University and her MD from LSU School of Medicine – New Orleans. She completed her residency at LSU/Charity Hospital Emergency Medicine and joined the faculty at both LSU and Tulane shortly after graduation. As an academic faculty member, Dr. Avegno served as Associate Residency Director and Director of Undergraduate Emergency Medicine Education for both LSU and Tulane medical schools.
In 2017, she established the Division of Social Emergency Medicine at LSU, and as its director worked with institutional, governmental, and other community organizations to facilitate innovative programming, interdisciplinary partnerships, and improved population health outcomes. In 2018, she was appointed as the Director of the Health Department for the City of New Orleans, where she manages a dedicated team of public health professionals in addressing critical health needs for the community. Dr. Avegno currently leads the City’s public health response to multiple epidemics and emergencies, and developed one of the country’s first mobile community based COVID-19 testing programs, with an intentional core focus on equity and access.
Honors include being named to the New Orleans “40 Under 40,” LSU School of Medicine Alumna of the Year, a 2021 Young Leadership Council Role Model, Girl Scouts of SE LA “Woman of the Year” and several other leadership and teaching awards. She is an active member of the ACEP Public Health Committee and a regular participant in ACEP LAC.
About This Award
The Public Health Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution in advancing public health care and injury prevention measures locally, statewide, or nationally.
