What should an MPH graduate be able to do at the end of the training period?
In sports or the arts, some people have natural talents. Others need considerable training to develop passable abilities. Some start off as "naturals" and when they receive training, it helps them to soar that much higher--to fine-tune their natural abilities. Teach a natural athlete a new throw or serve or swing and he or she will pick it up right away and add it as a new tool to the bag of tricks. Less talented people need the same training even more, and they don't pick up the skills as fast. The same is true for good feelings and positive experiences. Some people are depressed, anxious, angry, or burned out, with shut-off or deadened feelings. Others are naturally cheerful and happy, able to express strong views and feel deep emotions. The latter are the ones who are needed in public health, and schools of public health should attract, select, and encourage their sense of commitment and optimism, during their training and with suitable follow-up support afterwards as well. And by the way, some good luck helps too.
Varavikova
Elena A
EA
Department of Organization of Health Services Delivery, Cluster Evidence and Information for Health Policy, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland. varavikovae@who.int
D002321:Career Choice; D003479:Curriculum; D004500:Education, Graduate; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education*; D012581:Schools, Public Health; D040443:Students, Public Health; D013557:Switzerland