Future of teaching in local health departments: Budget cuts and student learning experiences in governmental public health

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of the economic downturn and resultant budget cuts in Local Health Departments (LHD) on the extent and nature of student learning experiences available in governmental public health. Background: A change in economic climate has resulted in large cuts in financial resources in many LHDs. Academic health sciences including public health have relied heavily on opportunities for experiential learning in LHDs. Correspondingly, LHDs have often used students to extend certain services or conduct investigations for which resources may not be otherwise available. Simultaneously, there has been a 52% increase 2000 to 2010 in graduates from graduate public health programs and many new undergraduate public health programs. These factors threaten to alter the manner in which teaching may occur in LHDs. Methods: Cross sectional survey research preceded by qualitative interviews of key academic and LHD leadership. Convenience sample of LHD directors (or their designee) participating in public health PBRNs nationally. Results: We anticipate that this study will offer a systematic, national examination of the role of the LHD in teaching of health science students; while simultaneously investigating how these practices are being altered by diminished LHD funding and resources; and investigating the manner in which academic health sciences may alter the nature of their student experiences to maximize shared value for both students and LHDs. Conclusion: These results may have significant implications for academic teaching programs and for the future public health and health systems workforce.