New book, co-authored by Penn Nursing Dean, reveals systems that create health gaps
image: Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel
Credit: Penn Nursing
PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 13, 2025) – Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Penn Nursing, has co-authored a new book, Systems That Impact Population Health: Past and Present, developed through the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM) Culture of Health Program. The publication serves as a critical examination of how foundational US systems, including law, education, housing, and health care, have historically shaped, and continue to dictate health outcomes across diverse communities. APHA members can receive a 10% discount on the book by using code PNDEAN10 at checkout.
The book moves beyond focusing on individual behavior, arguing embedded institutional barriers is key to ensuring health for all. It is organized around seven distinct population groups, drawing on rigorous research and lived experience to reveal how these systems often influence opportunity, leading to persistent health disparities.
By connecting the nation’s individual and collective history to its present-day health landscape, Systems That Impact Population Health: Past and Present provides a unifying framework and policy recommendations to ensure good health for all.
“To achieve health for everyone everywhere, we must look upstream to the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and age,” said Villarruel. “This book is a roadmap that outlines the changes and policies necessary to allow every person the opportunity to live a healthy life.”
The publication directly aligns with Villarruel’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health in her influential national roles. She served as the Chair of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Culture of Health Program Advisory Committee, a multiyear collaborative effort funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to identify strategies for creating and sustaining conditions that support equitable good health for all Americans.
For more information or to purchase Systems That Impact Population Health: Past and Present, visit www.aphabookstore.org. APHA members can receive a 10% discount on the book by using code PNDEAN10 at checkout.
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About the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is one of the world’s leading nursing schools. It has been ranked the #1 nursing school in the U.S. by QS University for a decade. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is among the top-ranked programs in the nation, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. Penn Nursing also consistently earns high rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of best graduate schools and is a top recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for nursing research. Penn Nursing prepares nurse scientists and nurse leaders to meet the health needs of a global society through innovation in research, education, and practice. Follow Penn Nursing on: Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, & Instagram.