There is a critical shortage of professionals in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Epidemiology. This shortage has evolved from a growing need in MCH on statistical analyses of complex data sets, development of methodologically rigorous interventions and programs, and quantitative and qualitative evaluations. To respond to the local, state, national and international demand for professionals in this field, The University of California at Berkeley MCH program has offered since 1993 a 2-year MPH degree with a strong focus on epidemiologic skills. Our program trains students for both research and application. We require students to learn the biologic and sociologic underpinnings of MCH endpoints including the relevant anatomy and physiology, sociologic and psychologic contexts, and risk factors and prevalence of reproductive and developmental outcomes. We teach students the skills of manipulating secondary data including vital statistics data, and the skills to collect primary data. Students receive training in survey research, questionnaire development, data collection and management, and complex statistical analyses. Students in our program learn to critique scientific literature, to give a professional research presentation, and to write a research grant,an epidemiologic review paper, and a research paper. Students in our program tend not to come from the traditional fields of MCH,e.g.,medicine, nursing and social work. Most students enter our program with no professional training and have baccalaureates from a variety of disciplines such as sociology, psychology, molecular and cell biology or other fields. However, they leave the program as extremely marketable professionals with excellent skills.
Learning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Education, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University Of California, Berkeley Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.