On this page, list five public health competencies (three core competencies and two track competencies) you feel you have achieved toward your professional goals. For each section provide:
- A statement forecasting how you have achieved that competency.
- List courses that contributed to each competency
- Evidence of how you achieved this competency (Relevant coursework)
- A reflection on your experience with each competency.
Competency 1
Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal level.
This competency was achieved by completing my service-learning project. At the facility I volunteered, several inequalities (insurances denying prescriptions refill requests) were corrected by speaking management. Prescription samples were donated to all that needed them.
The course that helped me achieve this competency included Global Health MPH 776
I enjoyed learning how to combat the injustices and inequalities in the workplace. It helped me learn how to empower others and develop a strong work ethic.
Competency 2
Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
This competency was achieved by creating during my second practice lab assignment, which included creating a plant-based diet intervention in my chosen workplace. This was done by creating my plates and replacing unhealthy vending machines that contained sugary snacks and drinks with vegetables and fruits, and also distributing booklets that contain instructions on how to convert to plant-based, the health benefits it comes with, and the health risk that occur from overeating meat and processed foods.
The course that contributed to this competency was Creating a Sustainable Environment MPH 784
I enjoyed completing this assignment because it helped me learn how to make decisions for the betterment of others.
Competency 3
Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health
This competency was achieved by working on a parent survey about parents’ experiences with their teens using cannabis. The parent’s answers to the survey will help assess population needs.
This competency was achieved through the APE practicum project plan, course Applied Practice Experience MPH 669.
This practicum was very exciting. I got to learn how to create survey questions and communicate more effectively.
Competency 4
Plan a health communication project that addresses the needs of the priority population
This competency was achieved by completing my first practice lab assignment on lead poisoning, which included observing all the hazardous lead conditions amongst the individuals in the mock community and then implementing risk communication strategies to assess their needs.
The course that contributed to this competency was Environmental Health Science ENVH600.
My experience with the competency was exciting. I learned how to think and solve problems critically.
Competency 5
Analyze environmental health problems from a global health perspective
This competency was completed by writing a critical thinking paper on environmental health problems that can affect global health. The report focused on air and water pollution, natural disasters, communicable and non-communicable diseases, how they affect global health, and the importance of global health.
This competency was completed through the course Global Health MPH 776.
I enjoyed writing this paper because it taught me things about global health that I didn’t know before. It also helped me develop research skills.