Patricia Sweeney, J.D., M.P.H., RN
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Policy & Management
University of Pittsburgh

Patricia M. Sweeney is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Public Health Practice (CPHP) at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. As the Center’s Preparedness Law Program director, Ms. Sweeney works extensively with state and national organizations to enhance legal preparedness for public health emergencies. Ms. Sweeney also conducts public health systems research focusing upon the integration of competencies into state public health personnel requirements and the impact of civil service laws upon state health department personnel functions.

As a faculty member in the Department of Health, Policy, and Management, Sweeney teaches health law and ethics and serves as the director of the Graduate School’s JD/MPH joint degree program. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Graduate School of Public Health, Sweeney received both a Masters of Public Health degree and a Juris Doctor degree. Additionally, she holds a certificate in the Advanced Study of Health Law. Sweeney earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Youngstown State University in Ohio. Prior to joining the faculty in 2003, Ms. Sweeney had an extensive career in home health care administration and public health