Bridging the gap: Engaging public health students and professional organizations in Utah

INTRODUCTION: Challenges within the field of public health are becoming more complex. The Institute of Medicine recently stated that the educational training in the U.S. is not adequately preparing the future public health workforce. This is primarily attributed to the lack of relationships between academia and public health professionals. Public health workforce challenges in Utah are no exception. This study was designed to explore innovative ways to bridge this gap in the public health relationships in Utah. METHODS: Following the principles of community-based participatory research, the Utah Public Health Association-Student Caucus (UPHA-SC) created an online exploratory survey, available for 3 months to all public health students in Utah. The survey was designed to capture the attitudes and objectives of current public health students regarding their professional and practical experiences. RESULTS: Among the respondents (n=186) were undergraduate (53%), graduate (37%), and doctoral students (10%) attending 5 Utah universities. Ninety-four percent of respondents were interested in engaging with professionals through an organization that offered networking and job opportunities. Respondents were interested in attending the UPHA Annual Conference, professional site visits, and establishing a mentor relationship through membership with UPHA. CONCLUSION: Results from this survey will allow the UPHA-SC and other groups to create a model for sustainable student organizations. This approach of associating professional organizations and academic institutions is unique. Through the utilization of the UPHA-SC, public health students will be better connected with professionals, allowing for a more prepared and skilled future workforce.