141st APHA Annual Meeting

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Student practicums in international health - experiences, results, and reflections

Monday, November 4, 2013 : 12:30 PM - 12:35 PM

Scott Harris, MPH , Public Health Practice Office, 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 complete 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? This panel of current students and recent graduates will share their international practicum experiences and discuss the importance of their work.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related education

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

Keywords: Practice, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I plan to be a moderator for this panel discussion and have done so for the past 5 years. Additionally, I have moderated the International Health "student Panel" for the past 6 years. I have been working with students in their international health placements for over 11 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.