187499 [Moderator] Practicums in International Health: The Next Generation's Perspective

Monday, October 27, 2008: 10:30 AM

Elizabeth Kenny, MPH , Boston University Public Health Practice Office, BSM Consulting, Boston, MA
Mahsa Abassi , Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Lydia Shaw , Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Students studying public health take numerous courses that provide theory and background to the many components that constitute public health. Accredited schools of public health require their students to have a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience. The practicum provides the opportunity to integrate and apply classroom learning in a public health work environment, enabling students to observe and learn from professionals in the field. Students contribute to a community's resources and to the solution of public health problems, while developing practical skills and personal confidence as public health professionals. For students interested in international health, what is the impact of an international practicum? How important is the practicum to the development of practical skills, understanding cultural differences, and the choice of future career paths? The panel of current students and recent graduates will share their international practicum experiences and discuss the importance of their work.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explore how the practicum experience compliments the skills acquired during the MPH studies. 2. Articulate the cross-cultural and workplace challenges in a public health setting within a developing country. 3. Discuss how the international practicum experience affects future career paths 4. Develop an understanding of the range of international health practicum opportunities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I moderated this session last year and have helped organized it over the past couple of years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Student Panel 1
See more of: International Health