The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47531

Stephanie Bailey, MD, MSHSA, Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD, MPH, and Betty Thompson, MSN. Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Health Department, 311 23rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

This innovative educational program, formulated for all health department employees, provides an overview of the guiding concepts and theories behind the core functions of Public Health. Through local examples of public health dilemmas, these core functions are thoroughly integrated with the fundamental competencies of public health. Sessions are held twice weekly for 16 weeks. The 32 modules are split into 4 parts. (Defining Public Health, Public Health Science, Public Health Practice I and II) Special emphasis is placed on monitoring, and diagnosing public health issues, the process of informing, mobilizing and empowering staff and community to react appropriately to emerging public health issues, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary research and evaluation of Public Health programs. Conducted during work hours, the sessions are held at the local health department. The internal faculty is screened for credentials, and must be approved by the faculty oversight committee. Each session is structured for the adult learner. Teaching strategies consist of introductory discussions, interactive dialogues, practical case studies, and facilitated team breakouts. Assignments are a combination of individual and team projects. The final granting of a “Certificate in Public Health,” is dependent on overall performance, presentation of a final group project, and passing of an oral competency evaluation. After each course the process, as well as short and long-term outcomes, are evaluated in the areas of mastery of public health knowledge, personal public health efficacy, and added value to individual’s job aspects and the overall culture of the health department.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe a public health staff educational model, which will prepare a competent and confident workforce in the practice of public health, and foster an appreciation for the "big picture" of public health.

Keywords: Competency, Core Functions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.