James A. Lipton
James A. Lipton ’71DM, ’80GSAS graduated from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM), after which he enrolled in Columbia’s Sociomedical Sciences program, receiving a PhD. Both programs motivated him to develop a lifelong passion for helping underserved populations receive comprehensive health care, and to mentor young health professionals and researchers in their career development. He joined the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps and served from 1976 to 2006. He started as the Regional Director for the National Health Service Corps in NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. In that role, he coordinated placing health providers in federal centers located in areas where the population was underserved. He then was selected to be Chief Dental Officer for all federal health centers in the United States. His next assignment was at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a component of the NIH, where he served as director of Research Training and Career Development programs that were located throughout the United States.
Since retiring, Lipton has been an active participant in Columbia CDM activities. After graduation, he was a part-time faculty member, helping to care for people with medically unexplained facial pain conditions. He has been a member of CDM’s Board of Advisors for the past fifteen years and is a co-leader of its executive committee. He has helped coordinate several alumni reunions. In addition, he has personally funded over twenty research fellowships for students from CDM and the Columbia School of Social Work to investigate socio-behavioral aspects of oral health care. He also has mentored several CDM students interested in a research career.
These activities illustrate Lipton’s belief in the Greek proverb, “A society grows great” when its people “plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” He hopes that the fruits of his efforts will help create social and professional leaders who will have a valuable impact on the wellness and welfare of our society. Lipton has been married for over forty-five years to Jill, a well-respected clinical social worker. She has provided much support and encouragement for his ideas and pursuits and has taught him the art of listening, compassion, and thoughtfulness.