Julie M. Zito, PhD, a longtime member of the APHA Medical Care Section, a former chair of the Medical Care Section, and stalwart advocate for pharmacy policy, passed away on December 6, 2025.
She was a good friend who always “liked” my Facebook posts on progressive issues. Along with Kathy Virgo, she guaranteed the quality of the student award sessions and publications. Her attention to detail was awesome!
A True Leader
We were fortunate that Julie chose the Medical Care Section for her work within APHA. Over decades she represented us in the Intersectional Council, the Governing Council, and in an APHA task force on governance. She took all such responsibilities seriously, always came prepared, and as one leader said, “We frequently disagreed about issues, which made her counsel all the more valuable…she made me a better public health professional.” When APHA updated its policy on drug pricing in 2022, she spearheaded the effort to complete the policy, “Ensuring Equitable Access to Affordable Prescription Medications”.
Notable Work
In 2000, she published a very impactful piece describing increasing use of psychotropic medications in children. The paper sent ripples across the country and led to the NIH calling for a multi-site trial – the preschool ADHD treatment study. Her longtime colleague, Susan dosReis, described this paper as “a pioneering piece that used secondary administrative claims data–well before these data became known as ‘real-world’ data”.
Dr. Zito went on to publish more than 100 papers dealing with the use of psychotropic medications in community-treated populations, including publications in 2025. She boldly and consistently challenged PhRMA in congressional hearings about the overuse of medication. She collaborated with clinicians, epidemiologists, and librarians and always acknowledged their work together. Today a practical application of her work is reflected in the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s monitoring of quality of care in pediatric antipsychotic use.
Julie was a fierce advocate for true public health that could push forward against racism, poverty and profiteering in the US and worldwide. Even after retirement, she volunteered with prisoners and advocated to end the destruction of Gaza. None of her own serious medical issues kept her from studying issues and fighting for justice.
Your Turn
The Medical Care Blog welcomes hearing more memories APHA members have of Julie Zito. This summary just skims the surface. Please feel free to leave a comment on this post.
Editor’s Note: The editors-in-chief of Medical Care have published a remembrance as well, recognizing Dr. Zito’s contributions to the journal and the field.