189575 Considering the Spectrum of Undergraduate Education: What Is and What Could Be

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 11:30 AM

Susan M. Radius, PhD, CHES , Professor, Health Science Department, Towson University, Towson, MD
While frequently framed as a graduate level activity, education in public health is not limited to post-graduate programs in schools of public health. As new initiatives are considered to spur interest among our youth in the field of public health, it is imperative that existing efforts not be ignored. The opportunity to learn from those opportunities, to inform expanded efforts in response to the challenge of the Institute of Medicine requires careful consideration of those lessons and challenges already encountered. This discussion will incorporate the perspective of public health professionals and educators experiences in working with such programs. Also appropriate is recognition of the role to be played by relevant professional associations. The American Public Health Association has a longstanding history of engaging in activities germane to education of the public health workforce. With an eye to the future of public health, APHA brings a capacity, an Education Board and a perspective that merit recognition as we face the future of public health.

Learning Objectives:
Describe existing forms of undergraduate education as it relates to public health. Describe potential models for existing and burgeoning undergraduate programs. Describe vehicles through which the American Public Health Association can and currently participates in the education of public health workers.

Keywords: Public Health Education, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a former member of the APHA Education Board; current member of APHA Executive Board and Faculty, undergraduate program in health science.
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.