Course Overview

Director: Sally M. Sutphen, MSc, MPH
Assistant Director, CNYMPH Program
Phone: 315 464-2642

Co-Director: Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH
Health Commissioner, Onondaga County Health Department
Phone: 315 464-2642

Credits: 1-4
Periods offered: All
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.

Description

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 either at the Onondaga County Health Department or as a pre-arranged independent research project (community-based project or international experience).

Onondaga County Health Department Track

Students will be introduced to the activities of the Onondaga County Health Department and its efforts to improve the health of our community under the supervision of Dr. Morrow. Students will be responsible for completing a specific project based on their interest and current public health activities and will work with health department staff to assess a public health priority and to implement or evaluate health outbreak investigations, vaccine shortage management, bioterrorism, infant mortality, and chronic disease prevention.

A project summary report is required at the end of the elective to gain credit for the course.

Independent Research Track

An independent study or community-based or international project can be arranged via the Preventive Medicine Program office. Students need to set up an appointment with Sally Sutphen and receive approval for this track.