Elinor is committed to a more just and healthy future for all families.

Elinor Artsy Navon is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan. Her journey toward public health was shaped by a life-altering experience as an undergraduate, when she was struck by a drunk driver while cycling. The effects of the accident led to a diagnosis of epilepsy. Through that challenging period, Elinor became deeply aware of the importance of patient advocacy for individuals living with chronic conditions. Her experiences inspired her to pursue training in medicine and health research, ultimately guiding her to a career centered on driving systemic change in healthcare.

In 2018, Elinor earned her MD and began working as a neurologist and rehabilitation medicine physician. Her clinical work revealed how deeply social and economic inequities shaped patient outcomes, ultimately motivating her to shift from individual care to a broader focus on population health. Now based in Ann Arbor, Elinor serves as a senior researcher and program manager at the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center at Michigan Medicine, where she leads initiatives aimed at improving pediatric health equity.

In her master’s program, Elinor is focused on researching potential interventions and policy changes, with the goal of improving maternal and child health in developing nations most affected by climate change. Elinor is committed to a more just and healthy future for all families. She was recently selected to lead a monthly support group for young women living with epilepsy in Southeastern Michigan — a reflection of her long-standing commitment to community-based support.

Elinor is proud to have made the courageous decision to return to school to pursue her dream. She aims to serve as a role model for her two daughters and for all young women who dream of making a difference in the world.

CEW+ commends Elinor’s commitment to health equity and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.