M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A.
Walter M. Seward Professor
Chair, Department of Family Medicine
Director, UVA Center on Health Disparities

M.D. Degree: Case Western Reserve University
Residency: Case Western Reserve University

I became the Chair of the UVA Department of Family Medicine in July 2011. Up until that time, my primary role in our Department was as a researcher. My research focuses on investigating social determinants of health, particularly their effect on racial and ethnic health inequities. I use geographic information systems technology and spatial epidemiological analyses to evaluate the role of such factors as poverty and education on cancer health disparities. My most recent research work focuses on assessing the effect of unconscious racial stereotypes and biases on physicians’ delivery of clinical services.

I received my M.D. and my M.A. in medical anthropology from Case Western Reserve University. I completed my residency in family medicine at University Hospitals of Cleveland. After completing my residency, I worked for 2 years as a family physician in a rural Eskimo fishing village in Alaska. I then came to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where I helped found and currently serve as the Director of the UVA Center on Health Disparities.