ROBERT MCKEOWN

Dr. McKeown is Associate Professor and Graduate Director for Epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. His research areas include psychiatric epidemiology, perinatal epidemiology, women’s health, child and adolescent health, and ethics in public health and research.

Dr. McKeown’s major research focus has been in the epidemiology of adolescent mental disorder and antisocial behavior. In the area of women’s health he has worked on projects related to shared decision making and intimate partner violence. His publications in child and adolescent health range from clinical perinatal studies to investigations of youth violence and risk behaviors. In addition to his appointment in epidemiology, Dr. McKeown has had a long-standing association with the USC Center for Bioethics, with publications, presentations, and teaching related to research ethics and public health ethics.

Because of a strong interest in teaching epidemiologic methods, Dr. McKeown has written several reviews of epidemiology text books and frequently consults with publishers concerning potential texts. He is a recipient of the School of Public Health Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. McKeown is also active in the American Public Health Association’s Epidemiology Section, currently serving as Chair for the 2001-2003 term. He has been the section Program Chair, Awards Committee Chair, and representative on APHA’s Governing Council. He is now on the APHA Nominating Committee Review Workgroup and the Intersectional Council. At the local level he has been actively involved in both government and volunteer programs, including service on committees related to confidentiality and data access. Dr. McKeown is currently working on developing models of research collaboration for public health with faith communities that respect the values of diverse faith groups and separation of church and state, while also promoting sound scientific research designs.