Yesterday I discovered that I have been accepted into SFU’s Masters of Public Health program on a Fellowship. I am so honoured and excited to be part of that program, as the courses, students and faculty seem to provide a top-notch environment for students to critically examine ways to make tangible impacts in the field of public health.
Specifically, I will be examining maternal and child health issues in Tanzania. What I am most excited about regarding the program is that it is very experiential-based. For example, there are several required seminars for students to take part in. Additionally, a minimum four-month practicum is also required. For this, I am hoping to head to Tanzania next summer to examine child health issues, hopefully in either Moshi, Mwanza, or Dar es Salaam. To say that I am excited is an understatement. 🙂
What I also particularly like about SFU’s program is that there is a focus stream where students have the option to tailor their courses to examining global health issues. I have discovered that very few Masters programs, especially in Canada, have this exclusive option to major in global health disparities. Lastly, SFU’s program is one of only a handful of Canadian schools to be internationally accredited. I feel that this will be very beneficial for me moving forward, especially since I aspire to work in an international setting.
Overall, to be honest, a year ago I would have never considered going straight into a Masters program after my Undergrad; however, especially over this past year and a half, I have realized how much I love the field that I am immersed in, and how I want to keep exploring and learning ways to make a positive difference in public health. However, I do not think that I would have realized, at least at this stage in my life, if I was not part of UBC’s GRS program. The students that I have met, discussions I have engaged in and practical hands-on experience that I have gained throughout my undergraduate degree have been instrumental in helping me discover my passion in public health.
For any GRSers interested in general health promotion, healthcare management, infectious disease control or working for local organizations that promote health safety and human welfare, be sure to check out the field of public health. And you never know, SFU’s Masters of Public Health program might be right up your alley!