Center of Excellence in MCH Education, Science and Practice
Grant Status: Active
Training Category: Centers of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education Science and Practice
Project Director(s):
Cynthia Minkovitz, MD, MPP
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH)
615 N. Wolfe St
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: (410) 955-3384
Email: cmink@jhu.edu
Problem:
Improving MCH requires professionals and academics with MCH knowledge and analytic and critical thinking skills to make informed decisions for MCH programs and policies.
Goals and Objectives:
The COE goal is to promote the health of women, infants, children, adolescents, and children and youth with special health care needs. This goal will be accomplished through 7 objectives: multidisciplinary training for PhD students interested in MCH academic, research and practice careers; multidisciplinary training for masters students who plan careers in MCH practice or policy; promotion of MCH knowledge and advocacy to all BSPH students; applied experiences to engage trainees in analytic and critical thinking; technical assistance (TA) to the MCH community using multiple approaches; faculty research involving collaboration with students; and teaching, research, and services activities that include an understanding of cultural diversity, disparities in health and access to health care, cultural competency and equity.
Methodology:
The COE is supported by an interdisciplinary faculty from multiple health and related disciplines and Advisory Committee that will provide guidance to the COE for assessing progress in meeting objectives. A broad MCH curriculum is available for BSPH masters and doctoral students which addresses MCH leadership and CEPH competencies. It is embedded in a life course perspective on health and the history and implementation of Title V programs and their impact on the health and well-being of MCH populations. The MCH science base, critical thinking, analytical skills and diversity also are core priorities. The COE offers long-term training in Population, Family and Reproductive Health (PFRH) degree programs: PhD, MSPH, and MHS, the school wide MPH and DrPH programs and an MCH certificate for students in academic programs throughout JHU. PhD and MSPH students in PFRH are eligible for COE tuition funding. The COE also offers support to MSPH students who undertake field placements in Title V agencies, for teaching assistants in MCH courses and for pilot projects in MCH community-based programs. The COE represents a strong voice for MCH at the BSPH with a broad curriculum for students interested in MCH from departments other than PFRH. COE faculty and affiliated PFRH centers offer TA for the MCH workforce and programs focusing on critical thinking and translation of the MCH science base for practice and programs.
Coordination:
The COE has strong relationships with MCHB, AMCHP, local and state MCH agencies in Region III, JHU HRSA training programs, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, Center for Adolescent Health, Urban Health Institute, Early Childhood Services Research Program, Gates Institute, WIC Program and public and private MCH programs.
Evaluation:
Trainees are evaluated by written culminating projects; field placements; and doctoral oral exams and thesis defenses. COE databases for long term trainees, field placements, culminating projects, graduates, faculty publications and grants are used to evaluate the COE.