Exploring Public Health Initiatives: Enhancing the Impact of Your Clinical Health Career

Written by Niya Rhodes '25, Pre-Med

As we navigate the world of pre-med studies, it's easy to get lost in the intricacies of anatomy and the anticipation of our clinical futures. However, there's a crucial aspect of our future careers that often lurks in the background: public health initiatives and disparities. Public health, the often unseen force shaping the health outcomes of entire populations, holds significant potential to augment our impact on communities. Delving into this realm not only broadens our perspectives but also equips us with tools to address systemic issues underlying many health disparities.

Peeling Back the Layers 

Exploring public health initiatives offers a window into the root causes of health disparities. We uncover social determinants like income inequality, access to education, environmental factors, and healthcare accessibility. These factors wield substantial influence over an individual's health outcomes, sometimes more so than clinical care.

A Complementary Perspective 

Merging public health knowledge with our clinical skills creates a potent synergy. Consider a future pediatrician knowledgeable about the impact of food insecurity on child development—this awareness enables them to advocate for nutrition programs in underserved areas. Similarly, a nurse well-versed in the prevalence of mental health disorders among certain demographics can work towards de-stigmatization and enhanced access to care.

Advocacy and Policy Advocacy 

One of the most impactful roles we can undertake is that of an advocate. Public health initiatives often rely on passionate individuals who can amplify the voices of the unheard. Whether advocating for vaccination programs, championing sexual health education, or lobbying for environmental regulations, our involvement can catalyze tangible change.

Embracing a Holistic Approach

Engaging with public health initiatives encourages us to think beyond individual patients. We discern patterns, identify trends, and envision opportunities for prevention on a broader scale. This holistic perspective not only honest our healthcare provision skills but also empowers us to effect change within our communities.

Getting Involved So, how can we explore public health initiatives as pre-health students? 

• Seek out volunteer opportunities with local public health organizations
  • Madison House Health & Medical Services Programs: UVA's Madison House offers several volunteer programs focusing on public health. Students can volunteer with organizations like the Charlottesville Free Clinic, where they assist healthcare providers, help with patient intake, and participate in health education initiatives for underserved populations.  
  • Health Equity Collaborative: This student-led organization partners with local public health agencies and organizations to address health disparities in Charlottesville. Students can get involved in initiatives such as food insecurity programs, mental health awareness campaigns, and health education workshops for low-income families. 
• Take courses or attend seminars on public health topics. 
  • Global Public Health Major: UVA offers an interdisciplinary Global Public Health major through the Global Development Studies Program. Students can take courses such as "Introduction to Global Public Health" and "Social Determinants of Health" to gain a comprehensive understanding of public health issues both globally and locally. 
  • Department of Public Health Sciences or Anthropology Courses: UVA's Department of Public Health Sciences offers undergraduate courses that provide a foundation in public health principles. Courses like "Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health" and "Introduction to Epidemiology" are excellent options for pre-health students interested in public health.  
  • 4 + 1 Undergraduate – Public Health Program: This innovative program allows undergraduate students to seamlessly transition into a graduate-level public health curriculum, earning both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's in Public Health (MPH) in just five years. With a focus on real-world application, students engage in coursework covering vital topics such as epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and social determinants of health. They gain hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and community engagement initiatives.
• Engage in research projects that focus on community health disparities
  • Community-Based Participatory Research Program: UVA researchers often collaborate with local community organizations on CBPR projects. Students can get involved in research that directly engages with community members to identify health needs and develop interventions. 
  • Find a UVA Professor and Join their Research Initiatives 
• Engage in your own personal reading: 
  • The Health Gap by Michael Marmot 
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk
  • Inflamed: Deep M2edicine and the Anatomy of Injustice" by Raj Patel and Rupa Marya
  • Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington
  • The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills" by David A. Ansell
  • Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology

These experiences enrich our understanding and demonstrate our commitment to future admissions committees. Delving into public health initiatives as pre-health students can compound the impact of our clinical health careers. It empowers us to address the underlying causes of health disparities, advocate for policy changes, and build a holistic approach to patient care. By understanding and engaging with public health, we take a significant step towards becoming not just healers of individuals, but champions of entire communities.