The World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) continues its global expansion with an exciting new milestone in the United States. WHIS USA is now expanding into Illinois and Chicago, with distinguished academic and global health leader Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby taking a leading role in shaping the initiative.
This development marks an important step in strengthening international collaboration around prevention, community wellbeing, disability inclusion, and innovative health systems. Chicago, one of America’s most dynamic cities for healthcare, education, and social innovation, provides a powerful platform to advance the WHIS mission of improving health and wellbeing through partnerships across sectors.
Leadership Driving Meaningful Change
Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby, Ph.D., is a Professor and Program Director of Social Work and is internationally recognized for her pioneering work on disability, social policy, and inclusive health frameworks. Her scholarship has significantly advanced the integration of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) into social work practice and education, ensuring that disability is understood through a holistic lens that includes social participation, capability, and wellbeing.
Her work also champions the “Capability Approach”, offering an alternative framework that places human potential, dignity, and opportunity at the center of policy and practice. This perspective aligns strongly with WHIS’s commitment to prevention, social prescribing, and community-driven health solutions
Dr. Saleeby currently serves as a collaborating member of the World Health Organization Education and Implementation Committee for International Classifications and the WHO Functioning and Disability Reference Group, where she contributes to global efforts to improve how disability and functioning are understood and addressed across health systems.
“I am honored to join WHIS USA in Chicago at such an exciting moment. This expansion provides an incredible opportunity to advance inclusive health, bridge education and practice in social work, and ensure that communities benefit from evidence-based, people-centered solutions. Together, we can transform the way health and wellbeing are understood and delivered.” Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby, Ph.D
Bridging Education, Practice, and Innovation
A key focus of Dr. Saleeby’s work is closing the gap between academic training and real-world practice in social work. Her leadership has emphasized the importance of preparing future professionals with practical skills, including grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership—capabilities that strengthen community health organizations and expand access to resources.
With a background in nonprofit management and social administration, she has been a strong advocate for integrating these competencies into social work education so that graduates are equipped not only to support individuals and communities, but also to lead sustainable social impact initiatives.
Her contributions to the field are extensive. Dr. Saleeby has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and books across multiple disciplines and has presented her research at more than 50 national and international conferences. She has also served in numerous leadership roles within the profession, including the Council on Social Work Education Board of Directors, the Commission for Diversity and Social and Economic Justice, the Commission on Global Social Work Education**, and several task forces focused on diversity and environmental justice.
Chicago as a Hub for Health Innovation
The expansion of WHIS into Illinois and Chicago represents a significant opportunity to bring together leaders from healthcare, academia, public policy, social work, and community organizations to address some of the most pressing challenges in health and wellbeing.
Through roundtables, collaborations, and innovation initiatives, WHIS USA in Chicago will focus on:
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Advancing disability inclusion in health systems
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Strengthening community and social prescribing models (Global Social Prescribing Alliance)
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Supporting prevention and population health strategies
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Connecting academic research with real-world implementation
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Building cross-sector partnerships that improve health equity
*New innovative financing - blended capital and impact bonds.
Chicago’s rich ecosystem of universities, medical centers, community organizations, and civic leadership makes it an ideal environment for this work.
**A Growing Global Movement **
The World Health Innovation Summit has grown into a global platform bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, academia, industry, and communities to accelerate solutions that improve health and wellbeing worldwide.
The expansion into Illinois reflects WHIS’s continued commitment to building international networks that share knowledge, inspire collaboration, and deliver real impact for communities.
With Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby’s leadership, WHIS USA in Chicago will play an important role in shaping conversations around disability, social work, and inclusive health innovation—ensuring that future health systems are designed for everyone.
“The expansion of the World Health Innovation Summit into Illinois and Chicago represents an important step in strengthening global collaboration around prevention, community wellbeing, and inclusive health systems. Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby’s leadership and expertise in disability, social work, and global health frameworks will help us connect innovation with real community impact. Chicago has a powerful ecosystem of universities, healthcare leaders, and community organizations, and together we can accelerate solutions that improve health and wellbeing for everyone.” Gareth Presch, Founder, CEO, World Health Innovation Summit
As WHIS continues to grow globally, partnerships like this highlight the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and visionary leadership in building healthier, more resilient societies.