Abstract
Problem:
There is a critical need to educate masters and doctoral students who can serve as the next generation of the MCH public health workforce, including MCH Epidemiologists. Broad, systemic transformations in the role of government in health and human services have led to increases in the required knowledge and skills necessary for MCH public health professionals to effectively address health concerns of the MCH population and advance MCH science, research, practice, and policy. This need for a highly trained MCH workforce is especially critical because of anticipated staff attrition in state Title V and local public health agencies due to upcoming retirements and market forces.
Methodology:
This project addresses these needs by implementing a rigorous course of study for MCH public health masters and doctoral students, including MCH PhD students minoring in Epidemiology. This training combines didactic and experiential learning to prepare the next generation of MCH workforce leaders. Overall project goals include:
- Providing rigorous public health training in MCH that leads to masters and doctoral degrees that prepare students to excel as interdisciplinary, adaptive leaders in the MCH workforce;
- Offering a MCH curriculum that addresses a broad public health perspective on substantive and methodological areas critical to the MCH field;
- Recruiting diverse trainees to engage in at least 300 hours of training per year, including didactic coursework, experiential learning, involvement in research, and mentoring; and
- Establishing and strengthening academic-practice partnerships with Title V agencies and community organizations to provide subject matter expertise and real-world insight.