Discussion Board Part A/B Public Health

Part A: 1 page discussion post AMA format

Part B: ½ page response to each of the 2 classmates below

Part A Discussion:

You are almost done with the course! Reflect on your Practical Experience work that involved shadowing food establishment inspections- food trucks and on site restaurants.

· What coursework in the Public Health program was most relevant/applicable in the field?

· What did you learn about public health, your passion, interest and style of work?

· What are some of the lessons you have learned throughout this public health program and this course?

Part B response posts:

Classmate Jason

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Hello Peers!

For this week’s discussion we’ve been asked to reflect on how the practicum, capstone, and the Public Health program enabled learning and application of professional skills for public health. I suppose after two-years of learning, I can say that the “pieces of the puzzle” are finally starting to come together (one last colloquialism Dr. B!). Each course I have taken has and will benefit me as I move forward towards doctoral studies and continue my career as a nurse, public health professional, and researcher.

What coursework in the Public Health program was most relevant/applicable in the field?

Actually being involved in research, I was finally able to make the connection of all the pieces I’ve learned at UNE and put them into practice. Although I am no biostatistician, the Biostatistics course enabled me the ability to collaborate with these professionals in a way at which I understand the significance of a p-value, sample means, and standard deviation with data that has been collected. The Research Methods and Health Literacy courses were extremely significant at building the groundwork of all the various types of research that can be conducted and how to communicate that research effectively so that key stakeholders, including the public can understand evidence-based practice. Understanding these important concepts in public health has created a foundation for future learning and practice, which I do feel is an ongoing and evolving process.

What did you learn about public health, your passion, interest and style of work?

As a nurse, I feel there is a “medicine” and “public health” hat to be worn. Public health taught me that its mission is saving the lives of many whereas medicine focuses on the life of one individual at a time1; yet the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I feel I am better prepared to meet the challenges of medicine having had the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in public health. Both the medical profession and public health must work hand-in-hand to address the health needs of our entire globe.

I was extremely fortunate to be doing my practicum assisting a primary investigator on their project which offered me invaluable insight into the research process and even allowed me an opportunity to be included as a co-author/co-investigator. I took advantage of attending conferences and networking with other researchers and public health professionals that truly solidified the passion and energy I have for doing research. My interest and passion is patient-family centered care and improving health outcomes utilizing this framework. In my capstone, I have tried to integrate important tools and theories of public health to help try and address complex health issues facing a specific vulnerable population. I truly enjoy reading and investigating the research and learning more of how others are trying to address challenges and barriers. I’ve learned I need to be very tactile and hands on to learn.   

What are some of the lessons you have learned throughout this public health program and this course?

I would encourage any public health learner to attend conferences early-on and immerse themselves in asking questions, looking at abstracts, poster boards, attending some sessions and networking. I recently came back from a conference in Washington D.C. and felt invigorated being around collaborators and researchers who were just as passionate about their fields of study. Most of my time in my program here at UNE I was also completing course work in nursing which was doable, but extremely challenging at times. Once I completed my nursing component, I was truly able to engage more with the content and begin to focus more on research which is one area where I hope I can make an important impact.

References:

1.  Schneider, M. and Schneider, H. (2014). Introduction to public health. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Classmate Kathy

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What coursework in the Public Health program was most relevant/applicable in the field?

As an older student returning to academia I found the Public Health program provided a world of valuable and practical information. Every class, every new idea, every co-learner's comment was a learning opportunity that I am grateful and appreciative to have experienced. I especially found current information regarding health inequities applicable to the geographic area and population served by the hospital where I am employed. The use of the socio-ecological model of public health assisted with projects ranging from improving access to care, to building a new community health worker program to fill the gaps in identified needs. A thorough understanding of Health in All Policies (HiAP) helped to re-frame the approached used by the hospital when working with the city on walking trails and other partners and projects. Finally, Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) guided our first Native American Indian needs assessment and paved a better approach for a local-led health coalition. 

What did you learn about public health, your passion, interest and style of work?

I am the Wellness Coordinator for a rural hospital and one of my responsibilities is to conduct clinical assessments for patients and employees referred by health care providers. I truly try to practice what I share and I am sure many of you can relate to the fact that when working full-time, completing your studies, raising families, and dedicating yourself to community service that we can often forget about our own self-care. While I can't say that I always hit the mark, what I love about public health is that it reminds us that self-care is important and that if we hope to continue to improve the quality of life for others, that we have to make it a priority in our own lives. That constant reminder from studies and fellow students was inspiring and helped me to keep my focus, renew my passion for wellness, and look forward to each new challenge and adventure.

What are some of the lessons you have learned throughout this public health program and this course?

There were times when I did know if I would master a new concept; this was never more apparent as when I was completing biostatistics. Perhaps I was feeling my age, or just feeling overwhelmed, but there were moments that I wondered if I would complete the task. The professor was supportive, co-learners provided additional insights, my family made sure I ate well, and even the hospital CEO sat with me to work a few problems (actually, struggled with me, but it was encouraging). What did I learn? Well, I was again reminded that we are not alone and together we can accomplish much. Success to all of you and many thanks for sharing life and learning.

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