Program fills gaps in health sector

July 11, 2008

By Mark Ferguson

Three new schools are starting up at the university this fall, but while two – public policy and environment and sustainability – are offering programs for the first time, graduate programming for the School of Public Health (SPH) has been active for two full years.

For the students who graduated from the Master of Public Health (MPH) this spring, the program is making a big difference in their careers.

“This program has helped my understanding the broader determinates of public health,” said recent graduate, Cheryl Mitchell. “ I see it filling a gap in community medicine.”

The MPH program is trying to fill gaps in the health sector similar to what an MBA program provides in the business sector.  Graduates with an MPH can work in environmental health, behavioral health, health promotion and any number of areas.

After completing the two-year graduate program, Mitchell began working as a project co-ordinator in the Interprofessional Health Sciences Office, and without wasting any time, she will begin studying medicine in the fall at the U of S.

Mitchell admits that having her MPH helped beef up her application for medicine, but that’s not why students should enter the SPH.

“This program will help me to be a better physician,” she added.

The SPH will be offering three programs starting this fall, having introduced the M.Sc. and PhD degrees in Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics to go along with the existing MPH program. The two new programs are specific to the research and design of vaccines and immunization methods, and graduates could expect to work in public or private health sectors.

According to Bruce Reeder, acting director of the school, some of the challenges that come from starting a new program have already been overcome such as establishing practicum programs and relationships with health professionals.

“To engage with the community is unique in applied public health,” said Reeder.

This year, some 100 applications have been received for only 20 spots in the MPH program. Reeder said about six more students will be accepted for both the new M.Sc. and PhD programs starting in the fall.