Mary Applegate

Background

About Mary Applegate

Dr. Mary Applegate is highly regarded nationally for her work in public health education and in maternal & child health. She served as a public health physician and medical director in Women's Health at the New York State Department of Health (DOH) for 14 years. From 2006 to 2016, Dr. Applegate served as an administrator at the University at Albany School of Public Health (SPH): as Interim Dean for one year, and subsequently as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Public Health Practice. Concurrent with her DOH and SPH roles, she also directed the New York State Preventive Medicine Residency program for 20 years and held leadership positions in national preventive medicine organizations, including the American College of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Preventive Medicine. She is currently a Clinical Professor in Social Behavior and Community Health at the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Public Health Dr. Applegate is particularly well known for her work on supporting breastfeeding by educating physicians and other healthcare providers about important clinical and public health issues related to breastfeeding. She also designed and implemented statewide breastfeeding promotion efforts involving hospitals, workplaces, schools, and other community spaces. She serves on the board of Baby Friendly USA, which implements UNICEF's Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in this country. Dr. Applegate has been awarded statewide and national leadership awards in the fields of Preventive Medicine and Maternal & Child Health.