why i want to study public health essay

why i want to study public health essay

Why Public Health is a Crucial Field of Study

1. Introduction

Public health is a field which looks to take care of or improve the health of communities. It sets out to find why certain issues are affecting people, what can be done about them, and then tries to implement these solutions for the betterment of the community. This is a very noble and important task. It can be applied to large communities in terms of a state or various countries, but it can also be applied to a community within a community. An example of this would be the public health work carried out by firefighters who are part of a specific city or area. They will look at the people within their community and want to implement things to improve health. An example of this may be the implementation of fire safety instruction in schools with the aim to reduce the number of children who set fire to a small object which then ignites and causes a house fire. This will not only save lives and prevent harm to children but also prevent damage to the community in terms of loss of homes which affects the economy. There are many issues within society that affect health, and there are many ways to more efficiently tackle these issues so that we can see positive change. One of the evident issues today that affects people worldwide is the issue of natural disasters. While we cannot prevent these disasters from occurring, we can be more prepared and thus reduce the impact on health in the aftermath. An example would be the earthquakes in Japan. These are a common occurrence and once the large quake has occurred, there is much damage in the local area. These events can significantly harm health due to injury and being without food or water. It is important to keep up with current trends and issues in health so as to better understand what is affecting the communities and what is the best way to combat these issues. This is the focus of a MPH at SDU, a course with high value that is greatly going to increase the students’ knowledge and understanding of public health issues and how to solve these issues through the implementation of effective strategies.

2. The Importance of Public Health

This paragraph about the importance of public health makes a simple but profound case for public health being something which affects everyone. It introduces complex ideas very simply but doesn’t provide the reader with any tangible evidence. This paragraph may be introduced best by a story, with a real-life example firmly backing up the statement presented. This would help the essay continue to build on the idea that public health affects everyone and everything, and that it is so broad in nature that it is sometimes hard to define. The first sentence of the paragraph is the strongest and may be improved by using a real-life example and detailing why the impact of public health becomes so clear in the wake of a disaster. This would make for a very strong introduction to the paragraph. Overall, the idea behind this paragraph is sound, it simply requires elaboration with real-life examples and evidence in order to fully convince the reader of its worth. This will allow the essay to safely build to its conclusion that “it is the using of our collective knowledge to improve the health of our entire world – that is what public health.”

3. Personal Motivations for Studying Public Health

For me, a career in dentistry is what brings me to study public health. I believe that health begins in the mouth and that it is the gateway to general health. I have seen the disparity of oral health on an international level and hope to take my skills as a dentist to make great change in global health. Oral health is often overlooked in its significance to general health, and I aspire to advocate the importance of oral health and implement changes that will lead to great oral health for all. This must start with higher education in public health and an increased understanding of dental public health.

Public health is a very broad field, and post-grad plans vary widely between individuals. People working in global health want to make a difference in marginalized communities through improved medical care and public health practice. Some want to work on the grassroots level with a specific community on a particular health issue or contribute to public health research through creating a better understanding of social and behavioral determinants. Public health extends to endless issues and causes, and there is an opportunity to find a niche that suits any passion.

Public health has a pervasive role in our daily lives. We see it in the clean water we drink and the safe food we eat. We feel it in the vaccination that keeps us from illness. We know it in the policy that mandates a smoke-free restaurant. Public health makes the difference between a happy, productive, fulfilled society and one where the rise of preventable illness and avoidable injuries detract from the opportunity to attain full health potential.

Studying public health is enriching and rewarding. Unlike a prolific career in the private sector, public health is about doing things to make the world a better place. Many jobs in public health are government-funded or funded by NGOs or intergovernmental agencies, which enjoy a higher degree of security than working for a private company. The essence of all successful public health work is the ability to master the essential competencies. It makes an impact on the community by utilizing education, policy-making, and research.

4. Career Opportunities in Public Health

The academic sector also presents public health professionals with an array of opportunities in the research and teaching fields. Typically a research position would require a DrPH or PhD, and a teaching position in an academic institution may require a DrPH, PhD, or a MPH, depending on the program specific. Both of these job opportunities are sure to have a lasting impact in contributing to the field of public health.

Public health jobs with nonprofit organizations and private firms may involve varying tasks and typically have more of a selective focus to the job. Some organizations are research oriented, while others focus on education or work directly with communities. Nonprofit organizations are found in a diverse number of settings, such as with disadvantaged populations, advocating for social justice, and targeting public health issues both domestically and internationally.

With a MPH, the most common public health jobs available are with the government. Graduates can expect to find a job with a local, state, or federal government health agency. These jobs can involve a variety of tasks, such as research, policy development, and education. An increasing number of job opportunities are also becoming available with international organizations, such as the World Health Organization.

A career in the public health field can lead to a lifetime of personal and professional satisfaction. Whether you enjoy solving complex problems, working in teams, developing new ideas, or helping others, a career in public health has something to offer. You can find a public health job in a wide range of settings and organizations, such as health departments, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and academic institutions. Some public health jobs involve implementing public policy, while others involve providing care to people. Many public health jobs are with the government, but not all. In fact, public health has its best growth and impact in the non-profit sector.

5. Conclusion

This is why I strongly believe that public health is a crucial field of study. With the earth facing global warming threats and viral pandemics, changes need to be made – “Business as usual is not an option” – Margaret Chan, the Director General of World Health Organization. And policy makers do need good data and analysis on the social and economic issues of an outbreak, its likely effects on the health and welfare of different groups, and the potential strategies for addressing them. They need to understand that prevention is better than cure, to a country a viral attack is like a terrorist attack, the lasting health effects may be greater than the damage caused. It would be better to fortify the country in advance than attack, the knowledge of health economists and public health professionals are essential in these times. Public health makes a big difference in the world, it helps prevent injury and illnesses therefore giving individuals a chance to live healthier and happier lives. Public health really is knowledge to the people; because we give knowledge about health issues and how they can change living conditions and change future possibilities. Knowledge is power and if people can have knowledge about improving life, then it will make a difference. And biggest of all public health is a rewarding field of study; it’s not about making money, it’s about making a difference. Public health stands for a better tomorrow.