Julia F. Costich

Dr. Julia F. Costich is the Peter P. Bosomworth Professor of Health Services Research in the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH). She serves as department chair and MHA program director, roles she has held since 1998. Her academic credentials include a JD, PhD, MPA, and MA from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Costich’s research focuses on health law, policy, and vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on injury prevention and healthcare cost reduction. She leads several projects funded by state agencies, including trauma registry improvements and harm reduction initiatives.

Her research interests span public health surveillance, healthcare policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable recent work includes studies on opioid overdose trends, financial toxicity in pediatric cancer care, and the role of medical-legal partnerships in cost-of-care conversations. Dr. Costich has received the Jess Kraus Award (2018) and holds joint appointments in Family and Community Medicine. She oversees the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) and leads initiatives like the Kentucky Trauma Data Bank and the State Injury Prevention Program.

Dr. Costich’s grants and projects address critical issues such as trauma registry data quality, private equity impacts on healthcare, and pandemic-related healthcare challenges. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy solutions, emphasizing equity and evidence-based strategies for vulnerable populations.