Eric Hurwitz

Eric Hurwitz is a Professor and Graduate Chair of the PhD Epidemiology Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Department of Public Health Sciences. He specializes in Epidemiology and teaches courses in epidemiology and statistical methods.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Epidemiology from the University of California, Los Angeles
• MS in Epidemiology from the University of California, Los Angeles
• DC in Chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic
• AB in Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Hurwitz's research focuses on the epidemiology of spinal disorders, utilization of spinal manipulation therapy, and public health aspects of complementary and alternative medicine. His work also extends to oral health risks among betel nut users in Micronesia and safety in spinal manipulation. He employs both clinical and population-based approaches to understand health risks and improve patient safety.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in spinal health research, particularly in the epidemiology of low back and neck pain, safety of spinal manipulation, and cancer risks associated with spinal surgery. These works bridge clinical practice and public health, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to musculoskeletal disorders.

Awards and honors include:

• International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) Prize for Lumbar Spine Research (2009)
• President-elect of the National office of the Delta Omega Honorary Society for Public Health (2014)

As Graduate Chair, Dr. Hurwitz oversees the PhD Epidemiology Program and mentors students. His current research is supported by three major grants:

• Development of Protocols for Studying Oral Precancerous Lesions and Other Health Risks Among Betel Nut Users in Micronesia
• SAFETY NET: An Academic and Professional Partnership Building a Culture of Safety for Spinal Manipulation Therapy
• Assessment Tools for Contextual Factors in Interactions in Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Dr. Hurwitz collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance research in spinal health and public health, contributing to both clinical guidelines and public health policy.