University of Alabama at Birmingham professor and chair of the UAB Department of Medicine C. Seth Landefeld, M.D., has been appointed to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel comprised of experts from many health-related fields, including internal medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics/gynecology, and nursing. Each is appointed by the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Each year, the Task Force examines the evidence base for preventive health services—such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications—and delivers an annual report to Congress with recommendations about whether specific clinical preventive practices help or harm the health of Americans. While its recommendations have sometimes been controversial, specifically related to mammograms for women under 50 and prostate cancer screening, the Task Force has positively impacted the role of prevention in routine doctor visits over the past 20 years.

“We are proud to congratulate Seth on this prestigious new appointment,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB School of Medicine.  “We are confident that his experience, skill, and leadership will serve the Task Force well.”

Landefeld is internationally known for his work in geriatrics, general internal medicine, and healthcare research, with the emphasis of his work aiming to personalize health care for the elderly and to improve their outcomes. He is a thought leader on the safe delivery of medicines and care delivery models that improve geriatric outcomes.