The practice labs have allowed me to take a scenario and apply a public health lens to the situations at hand. This practice is pivotal in developing the necessary problem-solving skills, reasoning skills, and critical thinking skills to create effective public health interventions.
These practice labs required the fulfillment of many ODU MPH competencies. However, two competencies stand out among the rest. First, I fulfilled CEPH Competency #2: “Evaluate risks posed by public health hazards using risk assessment methods.” This evaluation was substantially completed through both practice labs. In practice lab 1, we had to analyze, research, and document the many sources of potential lead exposure to the citizens of Happytown, USA. Additionally, we exhaustively used risk assessment methods to recommend the necessary changes to the chemical plant described in practice lab 2.
Second, I fulfilled CEPH Competency #5: Develop a plan for communicating complex, technical environmental risk information in a high stress situation.” This was essential to successfully completing both of the practice labs. Many different sources of lead exposure was noted for the residents of Happytown, USA — some of which may not be easily understood by some. These include the exposure to lead-lined paint when remodeling, the exposure to leaded food groups, and more. Additionally, communication of the processes and actions of the chemical plant in practice lab 2 is paramount in noting the hazards presented to the mid-size city. Recommendations offered must be effectively communicated to sources at the chemical company so that the necessary information and risks can be transparent.
The practice labs were essential in sharpening my skills as a future public health professional and showed me the basics into identifying public health risks and creating public health programs / recommendations in response to these risks.
