Introduction to Public Health course, UTQAP & Dean’s Leadership Series
October 18/2016
For many members of our community, every September flies by in a whirlwind of new faces, courses, events and challenges. This year was no different. From international partnership collaboration, Introduction to Public Health course renewal to the upcoming external review and other events, this fall is shaping up to be one of the most fruitful for the Faculty.
From August 22 to 26, Professors Shafi Bhuiyan, Peter Coyte and I attended three MOU signing ceremonies in Bangkok, Thailand that will facilitate global health research and education collaboration. The MOUs with the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University’s Faculty of Public Health and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in Thailand are designed to foster exchanges, practica, internships, lectures and events, and research collaboration. I will keep the Faculty abreast of all exchange opportunities. Click here for photos from the MOU signing ceremonies.
Upon returning to Toronto for Orientation Week, I was delighted to work with faculty members and the Graduate Office on the next innovative version of the Introduction to Public Health course for the 240 first year Master’s and PhD students entering the Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences. In addition to the fields of study and topical overviews provided by the divisional leads and core faculty members, the Graduate Office hosted a Public Health Sciences Meet and Greet Fair for students to network with public health professionals who work in the 25 partner institutions in attendance. From Public Health Ontario to Grand Challenges Canada, the Medical Sciences Building’s Stone Lobby was bustling with students eager to learn about practica and job prospects, and professionals (many of whom are alumni) were happy to share their experience.
According to Meet and Greet Fair evaluations, participants reported that it provided a positive interactive learning experience that gave a true sense of the wide variety of projects and focuses that make up our health system. I’m thrilled with the how the Introduction to Public Health course has evolved and my sincere thanks to the Graduate Office staff who make it happen every year.
Looking forward, the Faculty’s first U of T Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP) and external reviewer visit will take place this November and it’s a very important milestone for the School. I encourage everyone to read the Self-Study 2011-2016 and attend one of the external reviewer meetings. Please contact Melodie Buhagiar for registration and meeting details.
Also in November is the next Dean’s Leadership Series: A Good Death for All: What would it take? This interactive event will include a reception and an interactive forum that will force all attendees to re-think how public health can promote health in life and in death. I’m thrilled to share that the event is oversold, but full event video will be available on the Dean’s Corner following the event.
When visiting the Dean’s Corner you’ll also find the Dean’s Team response to issues raised at the spring 2016 Public Health Sciences student town hall meetings related to PhD funding, diversity, communications, space, curriculum and student experience. I encourage all students to read the letter and send any feedback and comments to DLSPH Dean and the Communications Office.
Best regards,
Howard Hu