This morning Kianna Baker received the acceptance email to participate in the 2019 Summer Public Health Scholar Program (SPHSP) at Columbia University Medical Center. The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students, and its goal is to increase interest in and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. This is a rigorous program which includes Public Health coursework at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students’ exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.
The program begins with a one-week orientation that takes place at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. Scholars are paired with health professional mentors from a variety of health disciplines in a public health setting. Students will work under the guidance and supervision of their mentors, three days a week for eight weeks, gaining direct exposure to the practice of public health. Scholars attend three lecture-based courses one day a week for eight weeks. The courses are: 1. Introduction to Public Health,2. Introduction to Epidemiology, 3.Health Disparities & Cultural Competence. These courses are facilitated by Columbia University Irving Medical Center faculty from all four health science schools. Scholars work in small groups with their Teaching Assistants to discuss practical application of class work. During small group sessions, scholars work on current health issues using “real” case studies.
