I’ve chosen to highlight six public health competencies that I will achieve through completion of my Applied Practice Experience (APE).
MPH 1: Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of setting and situations in public health
How: Determine the potential One Health hazards/risks in Virginia.
Contributory courses:
- MPH 746 Epidemiology
Relevant coursework:
- A study design project in which I applied epidemiological methods to plan a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of coronary artery disease in the adult population that lives in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Reflection: This course has provided me with the knowledge to apply epidemiologic methodology to determine the One Health hazards that exist in Virginia, and to use my findings to show there is a need for the development of a Virginia One Health Task Force.
MPH18: Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors and;
MPH 19: Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and thorough oral presentation
How: Effectively present my findings on One Health hazards in Virginia in written and oral presentations.
Contributory courses:
- MPH 611 Social & Behavioral Sciences for Public Health
- MPH 613 Environment, Society, & Health
- MPH 622 Environmental Law, Governance, and Justice
Relevant coursework:
- Prepared an executive summary and oral presentation on the effects of vaping on adolescents with proposed interventions.
- Practice Lab titled Integrated Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Present a case review, in writing, of Jacobson v. Com. of Massachusetts
- 2 papers on topics of choice, in which I reviewed and assessed the current law within the United States and globally and proposed future policies.
Reflection: I have developed skills in developing culturally competent, audience-appropriate public health content in each semester of ODU’s MPH program. I am prepared to create and deliver appropriate content for my APE.
GEH 2: Evaluate risks posed by environmental health hazards using risk assessment methods
How: Evaluate One Health risks in Virginia to determine the need for a One Health Task Force.
Contributory courses:
- MPH 632 Environmental & Occupational Health Risk Assessment
Relevant coursework:
- Various dose/exposure calculations,
- Trichloroethylene Health Risk Assessment Roundtable Discussion,
- Risk management scenario for petroleum transfer station
Reflection: The relevant coursework simulated real-world work expectations in risk assessment. I feel more confident and prepared to evaluate the One Health risks in Virginia for my APE.
GEH 3: Recommend approaches for recognizing, preventing, controlling, and remediating environmental health hazards
How: Collaborate with ODU’s One Health concentration faculty Dr. Hynes and veterinarian Dr. Persico to determine One Health hazards in Virginia.
Contributory courses:
- MPH 613 Environment, Society, & Health,
- MPH 632 Environmental & Occupational Health Risk Assessment,
- MPH 778 Global Environmental Health,
- MPH 784 Creating Sustainable Futures
Relevant coursework:
- Practice Lab titled Integrated Lead Poisoning Prevention,
- Report on Chagas disease with proposed intervention to reduce the burden of disease while working to achieve SDG 1,
- Paper & presentation on workplace food system with recommendations to create a more sustainable food system in the same space/place.
Reflection: The coursework was performed on a real-world scenario that I can actually work toward achieving. This learning has aided in my progression of my APE.
GEH5: Develop a strategy for effectively communicating environmental health risk information.
How: Communicate the findings and implications of the determined One Health hazards in Virginia.
Contributory courses:
- MPH 632 Environmental & Occupational Health Risk Assessment
Relevant coursework:
- Risk communication town hall,
- Risk management scenario for petroleum transfer station
Reflection: The coursework was relevant to current events and foretells what could be asked of me once I transition into a professional role in public health. Staying on key is important when presenting information to the public. The coursework has provided me with a solid foundation to achieve success in communicating my findings for my APE.