5063.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 8:30 AM

Abstract #12418

International Research Training Programs in Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Texas

Sarah A. Felknor, DrPH, MS1, George L. Delclos, MD, MPH1, Maria Morandi, PhD1, and Lawrence Schulze, PhD2. (1) School of Public Health, University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, SW Center for Occupational and Environmenta Health, P.O. Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225-0186, 713.500.9464, sfelknor@sph.uth.tmc.edu, (2) Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX

The long-term objectives of this training program are to increase the capacity of scientists and researchers in the developing countries of Latin America to address the increasing morbidity and mortality associated with occupational and environmental exposures. We address these needs through collaborative agreements with institutions in Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Specifically, this program provides graduate training at the master’s and doctoral levels in occupational and environmental epidemiology, environmental science and industrial ergonomics and safety. Long-term degree training is conducted at the University of Texas School of Public Health Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (SWCOEH) and the University of Houston (UH) Department of Industrial Engineering. In order to address the full spectrum of training needs in occupational and environmental health, worker training and continuing education programs have been developed in the host countries. As our first cadre of degree graduates prepare to return to their home countries after a long absence, the economic and political uncertainties they face may impact the sustainability of these training efforts. A five-year evaluation of these efforts will be presented along with a discussion of ways to enhance prospects for sustainability.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session participants will be able to describe current research training programs in Latin America in occupational and environmental health and to discuss the issues related to the sustainability of these efforts

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA