Public Health Elective: Course Overview

Credits: 2-4
Periods offered: All
Maximum number of students: 2
Pre-requisites: None, open to all medical students
Readings: Readings are assigned
Evaluation: Students are evaluated throughout the elective by their mentors in addition to articles and papers written, presentations and research conducted.

Permission of Instructor required

Course Overview:

This elective will allow the student to explore the implementation of public health and population-oriented prevention activities in actual community settings. The requirements for this elective can be met at a local agency that works in public health (e.g. the HIV education specialist employed by Upstate who works in the community). Students will be responsible for arranging the elective with the agency. The elective must be approved by Dr. Hobart. Students will complete a specific project based on their interests and current public health activities at the agency. Examples of student projects include HIV treatment and prevention symposium, implementation of risk reduction strategies for IV drug use, vaccine shortage management, bioterrorism, and chronic disease prevention. A project summary report is required at the end of the elective to gain credit for the course. 

Course Overview:

An independent study, community-based project, or international public health experience aimed at improving students understanding public health, determinants of health and possible interventions to prevent the public health issue the student is studying. Students enrolling in this elective generally have chosen a venue, focus of interest (research interest), and site supervisor (if off campus) prior to enrolling in the elective. Students will be assessed, if possible, by their site supervisor based agreed upon expectations of the project, active participation, and attendance. In addition, students must write a scholarly paper and give a presentation on their research project to an agreed upon audience in order to receive credit for the elective.

Students may also participate in a two-week Career Exploration Elective in Preventive Medicine specialty with Dr. Hobart. The electives are INTD9401 and INTD9402, run by the UME office.