|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Health
Frank Baker, Ph.D. M.P.H. Program - International/Global Health
Padmini Murthy, MD,
MPH, MS
The program in International Health offers an M.P.H. degree and and a graduate certificate in International Health: Clinical Issues. The program prepares candidates for intermediate-level administrative, supervisory and research positions in federal and international agencies. This program is also advantageous for those involved in day-to-day health service delivery which includes a multi-ethnic population. Students’ undergraduate preparation should include exposure to the physical and social sciences. One year of relevant experience is preferred. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention in different populations around the world. The courses focus on the role of primary health care in less developed countries with a concentration on prevention and control of communicable diseases and nutritional problems. The program demonstrates the application of general public health principles to clinical tropical medicine, environmental health, maternal and child health, disabilities and nutrition. Courses also include training in healthcare planning, design, management, and evaluation with special emphasis on international settings. The faculty includes internationally recognized practitioners and scholars with significant experience in international health. Course choices are made to reflect the prior experiences and specific professional goals of each student.
The following courses are all 3 credits, unless otherwise noted.
Today, American healthcare providers are increasingly called upon to work with patients from less developed countries. A growing number of Americans are interested in providing health services in developing countries, and those who do, find their American practices enriched by that experience. This certificate enhances healthcare providers’ knowledge of the health problems faced by patients from developing countries as well as the social, economic and political environments that affect their patients’ health. The certificate is open to all healthcare professionals working or interested in working in international health. The 15-credit certificate program provides students with a focused learning experience in international health clinical issues and also serves as an entry to master’s degree studies for those who desire it. Required courses: (all courses are 3 credits)
Health Care in the United States This course provides comprehensive overviews of the American healthcare systems, their organization and financing. Lectures are structured to provide an understanding of the major stakeholders involved in health care and the critical health care issues. Discussion focuses on the changing delivery systems and the forces that are affecting them. Introduction to Biostatistics This course presents the fundamental statistical approaches employed in clinical and public health research. Lectures cover basic probability, common distributions, samples and populations, interval estimation, and inferential statistical approaches. Students learn how data are presented and interpreted in the professional literature by considering published articles, professional reports and public health data. Introduction to Epidemiology This course introduces students to the principles and practices of epidemiology and provides them a population-based perspective on health and disease. Students learn the basic measurements of frequency and association and the methods employed in describing, monitoring, and studying health and disease in populations. Health Economics This course explores the concepts of scarcity, social choice, rationing, resource allocation, efficiency, investment, and market forces and their relationship to health services delivery and health policy. A variety of analytical principles and methods are examined and applied to issues including healthcare financing, cost containment, regulation, access, insurance, productivity, and program evaluation. AIDS and Other Manifestations of HIV Infection This course examines in detail one of the most devastating epidemics of our day. Outstanding guest speakers who are experts in their fields present lectures on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical adult manifestations, pediatric issues, gastro-intestinal, neurological and biopsychosocial aspects, occupational issues, clinical trials, nursing issues, ethics, public health strategies and international considerations. Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health An overview and introduction to the way in which behavioral and social factors contribute to health. The course covers a wide range of topics: theories of behavioral science which have been applied to health behaviors; socio-cultural factors in disease etiology and the role of social conditions and social policy in addressing critical public health problems; individual, group, community, and technology-based strategies for health behavior change; and current issues in behavioral science for health promotion including its application to achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals. Emerging Infections Emerging and reemerging infectious disease are posing a serious threat to the health of the world’s people. This course examines the underlying mechanisms of microbial emergence, the technology used to detect them and the strategies available to contain them. Evidence Based Approaches to Complementary and Alternative Medicine The growth of Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread in the United States. While many healthcare professionals support their use, there are others who remain quite skeptical about efficacy and usefulness. The course teaches the fundamentals of the most important and widely applied forms of alternative therapies, approaches the subject in a scientific way, while preserving the founding theories of different disciplines. Issues surrounding efficacy, effectives, and safety are discussed. Government regulations and reimbursement concerning various CAM therapies are summarized Entomology and Human Health Anthropoids cause considerable human suffering and death throughout the world. This course is designed to provide the health professional with the fundamental information necessary for understanding the role arthropods play, both as parasites, and in the transmission of pathogens causing human disease. Topics covered include the accurate identification and classification of medically-important insects and arachnids, the biology and ecology of vectors, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of important vector-borne disease, vector surveillance and control, and bioterrorism. Course includes a world-wide perspective, but emphasizes local tick and mosquito vectors and associated diseases, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Health Promotion Program Planning and Evaluation This course covers the basic concepts and principles of the health planning process. Topics include: needs assessment, program planning, and implementation and evaluation of public health interventions and programs. The use of quantitative and qualitative data is discussed. Examples are drawn from health education, health promotion, disease prevention and community health services. Environmental Influences on Human Health This survey of the major environmental determinants of human health covers physical, chemical and biological sources of exposure; routes of exposure in humans; etiology of environmental disease and mortality; and the complexities of environmental public policy. Topics include airborne pollution, contaminated water and food, solid and hazardous waste, and risk assessment as a tool for regulation. Students have the opportunity to tour a local public works facility. Primary Health Care around the World This course provides an introduction to primary health care in differing areas of the world. Topics include systems of health care; review of international organizations; major public health problems; primary care providers; maternal and child health services; surveying for disease prevalence; vital data and information systems; sanitation and drinking water programs; and traditional and western therapies. Clinical Topics in International Maternal and Child Health A global perspective of the health problems of mothers and children is given. Topics include nutritional assessment; growth monitoring; oral rehydration therapy; breast feeding; weaning foods, female literacy and women in development; food supplementation; nutritional deficiencies; sociocultural factors and community participation; health education; and organization of maternal and child health services. Infectious Diseases around the World Epidemiologic principles are used to study the prevalence of infectious diseases. Topics include a review of epidemiologic principles, methods of epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, the role of the laboratory, and strategies of control and prevention of disease. An in-depth study is done of such infectious diseases as diarrheal diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory infections including TB, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, and parasitic diseases. Healthcare Systems Around the World This course offers a comparative analysis of healthcare systems in terms of the financing, organization and delivery of acute, long-term, and mental health care, and public health services. A comparative analysis of methods of reimbursing physicians, hospitals, and other providers is also offered. Comparisons are drawn between and among nations, including the United States, with respect to political and cultural contexts, public policy, and the regulatory components of these systems. Emphasis is placed on Canada and Western Europe, but, Japan, Central and Western Europe, Israel, and third-world countries are also examined. Women and Health: An International Perspective The social and health problems of women in developing countries are addressed. Topics include reproductive, infectious and neoplastic diseases and other problems indigenous to developing areas of the world, stressing the social, political and economic aspects of health status. Field Experience in International Health Students engage in the application of theory by working in an approved public health organization or equivalent. Field work is supervised by a faculty member who serves as liaison to the health organization. Directed Research in International Health This course provides advanced study and research in an area chosen by the student in consultation with the professor, which may form the basis of the master’s thesis. Opportunities for work on special problems are provided. Thesis It is expected that the thesis will includes some independent research and integration of skills acquired by the student through coursework. The thesis includes formulation of research questions, methods to carry out the inquiry and presentation of results of the research. Some theses may requires approval of the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiation of any thesis work. Students should work through their department chair/program advisor to determine if their thesis will require IRB review. Students must maintain regular contact with the program and thesis advisors during their thesis work. Practicum All students pursuing an M.P.H. degree must complete a practicum. This is to ensure that students have an opportunity to apply in a public health setting, the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom. To fulfill this requirement, students will generally register for a one credit pass/fail course. Students who can demonstrate an exceptional practice experience prior to beginning their M.P.H. studies may apply for a waiver in writing eighteen months prior to graduation. Under the advisement of their faculty advisor and practicum coordinator, students must apply for the waiver in writing and attach accompanying documentation addressing the waiver criteria. The waiver application and documentation of the waiver criteria must be approved by the practicum waiver committee. Search | Intranet | Calendar | Email | Contacts | A To Z | Home |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
