Public Health Field Study Student Handbook 2013 …cehs.tu.edu/.../mphwebfiles/2013-14_PH_FieldStudy_StudentHandbook2.pdf2 Overview: The Public Health Fieldwork Study Course (PH 600)

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

Public Health Field Study Student Handbook

2013-2014

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Overview:

The Public Health Fieldwork Study Course (PH 600) is required of all Independent Master of Public Health (IMPH) students and is a structured and practical supervised professional experience in an approved public health setting allowing for the application and integration of the skills and knowledge acquired during their graduate didactic coursework. This course requires 400 hours of field work.

The Public Health Fieldwork Study Course (PH 623) is required of all Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)/MPH and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)/MPH Dual Degree students and Joint Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)/MPH students. The course is a structured and practical supervised professional experience in an approved public health setting allowing for the application and integration of the skills and knowledge acquired during their graduate didactic coursework. This course requires 200 hours of field work.

As a working partnership between students and the public health practice organization, this course provides a public health fieldwork experience for all MPH students enrolled in PH 600 and PH 623, which can be conducted either locally or abroad.

The practical skills and the knowledge gained in field work at public health practice agencies/organization are essential to students’ academic and professional growth, preparing them for a professional career in the field of public health.

The students' work in the field study projects should be valued by the organization and contribute to meeting the organization's goals or mission.

Field study projects must address a public health issue and student participation should contribute to strategic resolutions (locally or abroad).

Upon completing all MPH core and track courses, students are eligible to register for the Public Health Field Study.

Zero (0) Unit Continuation Enrollment in PH 623A Field Study Continuation Course: This course is available for students who have received an “Incomplete” in the PH 600 (for Independent MPH Students only) or PH 623 (for dual degree students only) Public Health Field Study. Students who receive a grade of "Incomplete" for the PH 600 (for Independent MPH Students only) or PH 623 (for dual degree students only) Field Study Course must register for the non‐credit Field Study Continuation course in order to continue the Public Health Field Study under the direct supervision of their preceptors. Registration for the Field Placement Continuation course will require the consent of the Field Study Coordinator and completion of a registration form outlining the number of hours remaining for completion of the field study placement. By enrolling in this non‐credit course, students will maintain "active MPH student status" while completing their field study. Students may register for the Field Study Continuation course for up to a maximum of three (3) times (PH 623‐A, B, and C) following initial registration in PH 600 (for Independent MPH Students

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only) or PH 623 (for dual degree students only). Students who go on to register for PH 623‐B or C, will receive a grade of “IP” (In Progress) until the field study has been successfully completed.

Learning Objectives

Through the field study, students MPH students will be able to:

1. Integrate public health theory, knowledge and skills in a practice setting; 2. Complete a defined project(s) in an area of public health practice including core public health

functions such as a needs assessment, program plan, program evaluation, policy development, educational campaign, applied research project;

3. Exhibit proficiency in at least one of the following areas: program planning, needs assessment and data gathering, program implementation, applied research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or data analysis under the guidance of an experienced preceptor;

4. Demonstrate competence in a public health practice setting; and 5. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and creativity in the development of a

public health practice activity.

The Public Health Field Study will involve:

a) Participation in “project‐oriented” work in a public health setting. Examples of appropriate tasks may include the following, but are not limited to involvement in:

Developing, implementing and or evaluating health promotion programs for specific

population(s); Conducting research on a public health issue of interest (e.g., study and instrument design,

data collection, data entry, analysis, and assessment of findings; Conducting policy analysis or advocacy related to a public health issue; Conducting a community needs assessment; Coalition building and coordination of resources; Developing, pre‐testing and evaluation of curriculum and or health education materials; Contributing to the development of grant proposals; Communicating health education needs and information to policy makers and the public

b) Development of a plan to implement the selected project;

c) Presentation of project findings in a field study summary paper that addresses a health issue of the

community and contributes in resolving practical health problems.

Public Health Competencies For their field study projects, students are required to identify at least 5 core public health competencies (one from each core area‐ Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences); 10 Program cross‐cutting competencies, and three (3) track competencies (community or global health). Competencies should be identified as a collaborative

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process between students and preceptors by identifying and selecting the competencies that will be addressed through the field study as indicated on the Competency Inventory Form (see in the appendix of this handbook on pp. 41‐51).

Course & Fieldwork Format Full‐time Independent MPH students expected to dedicate an average of 30‐40 hours per week to their field studies over the course of one academic session in order complete 400 field study hours. Daily field work shall not exceed hours. A 400‐hour field study is equivalent to 12 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. Students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 8 hours per day in their field study placements. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement. All field study placements must be approved by the Field Study Coordinator. Dual degree (DO/MPH and PharmD/MPH) students automatically receive a 200‐hour field study waiver and are required to register for PH 623 to complete a 200‐hour public health field study. (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Dual degree students are expected to dedicate an average of 30‐40 hours per week to their field studies during a 6‐week rotation in order complete 200 field study hours. A 200‐hour field study is equivalent to 6 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement). All field study placements must be approved by the Field Study Coordinator. Please refer to the Appendix on pp. 32‐40 for detailed information on the Dual Degree Public Health Field Study. Joint MSPAS/MPH students automatically receive a 200‐hour field study waiver and are required to register for PH 623 to complete a 200‐hour public health field study. (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Joint students are expected to dedicate an average of 30‐40 hours per week to their field studies during a 6‐week rotation in order complete 200 field study hours. A 200‐hour field study is equivalent to 6 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement). All field study placements must be approved by the Field Study Coordinator. The Field Study Waiver for PH 600: The Field Study Waiver allows for 200 field study hours to be waived for independent MPH students who meet the following criteria:

Verification of previous public health employment of three years of continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.)

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Relevant public health experience must include involvement in at least one of the following activities:

Assessing, monitoring, or conducting surveillance of health conditions or delivery of services in a population;

Establishing public health objectives and priorities;

Conducting basic or applied research on population‐based health problems including the

behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or

Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or intervention strategies/programs.

Verification of Enrollment in any non‐TUC (outside of TUC) accredited four‐year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, after completing all core and track courses and all or the majority of course electives in the Public Health Program

Independent MPH Students are required to submit an application for the 200‐hour field study waiver to the Field Study Coordinator (detailed criteria and an application are available on pp. 58‐61 in the appendix of this handbook). All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Upon approval of this waiver, independent students will register for PH 600 for 4 units and will receive a 200 hour waiver for the field study. All students who receive field study waivers are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their field studies over the course of one academic session in order complete 200 field study hours. A 200‐hour field study is equivalent to 6 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. Specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement. The Field Study Waiver for PH 623: This waiver is restricted to dual degree students only. Requests for field study waivers are considered and approved on an individual basis. The Field Study Waiver for PH 623 provides a full waiver for the 200‐hour field study for dual degree students who meet the following criteria:

Verification of previous public health employment of three years of continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.)

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Conducting basic or applied research on population‐based health problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or

Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or intervention strategies/programs.

Dual degree students are required to submit an application for the field study waiver to the Field Study Coordinator (detailed criteria and an application are available on pp. 62‐64 of this handbook). All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Upon approval of this waiver, dual degree students will register for two (2) units of MPH coursework (either a 2‐unit elective or two (2) units of the PH 628 Independent Study course) and will receive a full waiver for the field study. Formal petitions will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order to waive the field study requirement for dual degree students. The Field Study Waiver for students enrolled in the PH 623‐A Field Study Continuation Course: All Independent MPH students who previously received 200‐hour field study waivers for PH 600 in the previous academic session are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their field studies in order to complete 200 field study hours by the end of the following academic session. The Field Study Continuation Course allows students to maintain current enrollment or “active MPH student status,” to continue the field study under the direct supervision of their preceptors, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study. Specific field work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Again, students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement. Paid internships: The Public Health Program does not facilitate or manage paid internships for students. Our network of field study placements sites currently offers non‐paid field work experience for MPH students. Students who are interested in paid internships are strongly encouraged to seek out paid internships at public health practice agencies/organizations on their own. This search would be similar to a regular job search for positions at public health practice entities. It is important to note that paid Internships are extremely rare. Occasionally, the Public Health Program receives information regarding paid internships which it disseminates via students listserves and posts online at its Jobs, Training Fellowship and Scholarship webpage (http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/careers/jobs.html). Any field study placement outside the existing TUC network of field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit.

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Working students:

The Public Health Program will do everything possible to support the field studies of Independent MPH students who need to maintain part‐time employment while enrolled in the Public Health Field Study. For working MPH students, the Public Health Program recommends an extended 400‐hour field study to be completed over the course of two (2) academic sessions (semesters), in which students are expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week (rather than 30‐40 hours). After initial enrollment in PH 600 and partially their completing field study hours, students receive a grade of “INC” (Incomplete) for PH 600 and are required to register for the PH 623‐A Field Study Continuation Zero (0) Unit course in the following semester in order to continue the Public Health Field Study under the direct supervision of their preceptors. Registration for the Field Placement Continuation course will require the consent of the Field Study Coordinator and completion of a registration form outlining the number of hours remaining for completion of the field study placement. By enrolling in this non‐credit course, students will maintain "active MPH student status" while completing their field study. If the student does not complete the remainder of field study hours within their first semester of PH 623‐A, they will be required to register for the Field Study Continuation course in each subsequent semester until their field study placement is completed. Students may register for the Field Study Continuation course for up to a maximum of three (3) times (PH 623‐A, B, and C) following initial registration in PH 600. Students who go on to register for PH 623‐B or C, will receive an “IP” (In Progress) grade until the field study has been successfully completed.

Independent MPH students who are currently employed at public health practice agencies and organizations (for less than three continuous years) while enrolled in the Public Health Program may be permitted to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study only if the agency/organization is approved by the Public Health Program as an appropriate field study site and if the projects to which the student is assigned provides them a scope of work that meets the criteria of the Public Health Program. (To view the qualifications required by agencies/organizations to become approved field study sites, please visit http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Guidelines_FieldStudySites_Preceptors2.pdf.) Students are required to submit a formal request to the Field Study Coordinator for approval to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study (detailed criteria and an application are available on pp. 65‐68 in the appendix of this handbook). An application for use of paid public health work on current public health projects through student employment at a public health practice entity must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator.

Criteria for Zero Unit Continuation Enrollment:

Independent or dual degree MPH students who are unable to start a field study placement after enrolling in PH 600 or PH 623 (for dual degree students only) the previous academic session may enroll in the Field Study Continuation Course in the following academic session to complete an

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average of 30‐40 hours per week towards a 400‐hour field study placement. A 400‐hour field study is equivalent to 12 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. The Field Study Continuation Course also allows students to maintain current enrollment or “active MPH student status,” to start the field study, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study.

Due to special circumstances or events or beyond their control, some students may be unable to complete their field study placements after enrolling in PH 600 or PH 623 (for dual degree students only) in the previous academic session. In addition, some students may only be able to devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to a 200‐400‐hour field study which requires them to conduct their field studies over the course of two or more academic sessions until the field study placement is completed. Students who need to continue their field studies that were began in the previous academic session, may enroll in the Field Study Continuation Course in the following academic session to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week towards a 200‐400‐hour field study placement. The Field Study Continuation Course allows students to maintain current enrollment or “active MPH student status,” to continue the field study under the direct supervision of their preceptors, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study.

Specific field work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement.

Public Health Field Study Placement Sites Community Health Track: TUC and the Public Health Program have successfully developed a network of placement sites via collaborations with local organizations engaged in public health activities that provide its Community Health track students many placement sites from which to gain field experience. Students conduct their field studies under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at affiliated public health organizations, including but not limited to: county health departments, state and federal health agencies, community health organizations, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic and voluntary health agencies, and non‐profit organizations. (To view the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites, please refer to pp. 26‐28 in the appendix of this handbook or download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf.) IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIELD STUDY SITE AGENCY ORIENTATION REQUIREMENTS: All affiliated county health departments, governmental health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and managed care organizations require students to fulfill agency orientation requirements which include, agency paperwork, health and immunization documentation, security scans/background check, and drug testing prior to beginning their field studies. Typically, this entire process can take up to (1) month for students to complete. At some agencies, the process can take longer. For example, to obtain clearance through the Live Scan Fingerprinting process at Solano County can take up to two (2) months. Therefore, it is important that the students take the necessary steps to satisfy these preliminary orientation requirements well before the start date of their field studies.

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Student‐Initiated Community Health Field Study Sites: By taking initiative to independently seek out alternative Community Health field study opportunities outside the existing TUC network of Community Health placement sites, interested and motivated students have helped the Program establish new Community Health placement sites over the last few years. Students have aided the Program in identifying appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students at several prospective placement sites within our surrounding communities, the SF Bay Area, in other parts of California, and in a few neighboring western U.S. states. These student‐initiated sites were subsequently approved by the Program, resulting in the expansion of our current network of Community Health field study placement sites. The Program continues to encourage students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. For a script template for contacting prospective sites, please refer to the appendix on pp. 29‐30. Please note: Any student‐initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Students who identify potential public health practice entities as prospective Community Health field study sites are advised to direct those potential sites to our online Guide for Agencies to Qualify as Approved Field Study Placement Sites at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Guidelines_FieldStudySites_Preceptors2.pdf. In addition, in order for the Program to conduct a timely review and approval process for authorizing a student‐initiated site, the proposed site must register online as new field study site at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IjKhRyhticaDPhI_2fTKdGew_3d_3d by our specified deadlines (refer to the 2013‐2014 Community Health Track Field Study Timeline and Deadlines at in the appendix of this handbook on page 20 or online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/2013‐14_CH_FieldStudy_Timeline‐Deadlines.pdf.) Students may visit the Public Health Field Study Webpage at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html to view examples of previous community health field study projects. Please be aware that as these are past projects, they are most likely no longer in operation. Also posted at this webpage are featured community health field study projects completed by MPH students. IMPORTANT: The Public Health Program cannot guarantee community health field study placements outside the SF Bay Area. Students who are interested in conducting their field studies outside of the SF Bay area are encouraged to independently seek out an appropriate public health field study placement in their preferred location. The Field Study Coordinator can offer limited assistance in setting up community health field study placements outside of the SF Bay Area. Moreover, any field study placement outside the existing TUC Network must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit.

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Global Health Track: Global Health Track students conduct their field studies at sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at public health institutions, universities, ministries of health, non‐governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies. Upon completing all MPH core and track courses, Independent MPH students are eligible to register for PH 600 to complete the 400‐hour Public Health Field Study. Independent MPH students enrolled in the Global Health Track are required to conduct their 400‐hour field studies internationally onsite at approved Global Health sites for a duration of two and a half (2.5) months. Independent MPH students enrolled in the Global Health Track who receive field study waivers are required to conduct their 200‐hour field studies internationally onsite at approved Global Health sites for a duration of 6 weeks. Detailed information regarding the Global Health Field Study is available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html. Also posted at this webpage are featured global health field study projects completed by MPH students. Global Health Field Study Site Exceptions: With rare exception, students may be permitted to conduct the global health field study in countries other than the three specified global health sites (Bolivia, Cambodia or Ethiopia). Exceptions will be granted only to students who were born and are citizens of the countries of interest and who are committed to returning to those countries upon completion of the MPH degree. Inquiries or requests to conduct the Global Health Field Study in any other country must be forwarded to the Global Health Track Director and final approval must be obtained from the Program Director. How to begin your Public Health Field Study:

1. Observe the Community Health & Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html).

2. Community Health Track students review appropriate sites and opportunities based on their skills set, public health interests (see the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites (see pp. 26‐28 in the appendix of this handbook or download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf).

3. Global Health students review the Global Health Field Study Overview at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html for information on the Public Health Program’s Global Health field study sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia, various options for the global health field study, travel dates, types of projects are available at the different sites, and approximate costs (flights, room/board, etc.)

4. By the specified deadlines, complete the Field Study Planning Form online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FS_planning_form. By submitting the Field Study Planning Form, students select Community Health or Global Health placement sites, indicate the number of hours required for their field study, specify timeframes required for their field study, the number of hours they can devote to a field study, and their public health interests. Community Health Track students are required to rank their site preferences specific to their

public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network of Community Health/SF Bay Area). IMPORTANT: As community health field study

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placement sites are limited, placements at preferred sites cannot be guaranteed; therefore, students may not be assigned to their top‐ranked site.

Students enrolled in the Global Health Track must also contact the field study coordinator

who is assigned their preferred field study site:

Bolivia: Professor Sarah Sullivan ([email protected])

Cambodia: Dr. Carinne Brody ([email protected])

Ethiopia: Dr. Lucy Thairu ([email protected])

5. Upon submitting the field Study planning form, email a C.V. or resume and a signed Student Code of Conduct (download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/StudentCodeofConduct_PH600_623.pdf) to [email protected].

6. Contact Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, online at http://mph.checkappointments.com to schedule an appointment to discuss the Public Health Field Study course.

7. Enroll in the Public Health Field Study Course – PH 600 (400 hours) or PH 623 (200 hours – Dual/Joint Degree Students only) by the specified registration deadlines.

8. Look out for email and web announcements regarding events specifically address the Public Health Field Study.

The Matching Process for the Community Health Track Students All field study placements are coordinated and approved by the Field Study Coordinator. The Field Study Coordinator will work to facilitate the placement process by matching the student’s skills, qualifications, public health interests, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network/SF Bay Area) with the requirements of existing sites and projects within the TUC network of community health field study placement sites. Also taken into consideration when placing students is field study placement and site availability. Once a match has been made, an official field study placement recommendation letter is emailed to the student and preceptor. (The email communication will also include attachments of all documents required for completing the field study deliverables; refer to pp. 12‐13). The official recommendation letter and email communication to the student will clearly state that it is the responsibility of the student to contact the site preceptor or coordinator to finalize their placement. In some cases, students may be required to interview with the site preceptor or coordinator to secure their field study placement. In addition, the email correspondence will emphasize that many placement sites will require a security scan or drug testing and urge students to ensure that all preliminary requirements are satisfied well before the start date of their placement. Students will be directed to follow the instructions outlined in this correspondence in order to take the necessary steps to confirm and begin their field study placements.

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Once the student field study placement has been confirmed, a contractual agreement or memorandum of understanding (MOU) or a Short Affiliation Letter of Agreement with TUC will be prepared by the Field Study Coordinator to be signed by the two parties: The program/university and the placement site agency/organization. In some cases, a third party signature is required of the student as part of the public health field study agreement. Students must notify the Field Study Coordinator immediately if they become aware of any changes or issues that may delay their planned start date of their field study placement. If for some reason a student is not accepted for a recommended field study placement or is unable to begin a field study placement based on events or circumstances beyond their control, the Field Study Coordinator will assist the student in finding an alternative placement based on their experience, qualifications, and location preference. If students refuse an initial placement recommendation due to changes in their public health interests or site location preference, the Field Study Coordinator will assist the student in recommending a maximum of one (1) additional placement. If a student fails to follow up on a second recommended placement, he/she will be responsible for finding an appropriate public health field study placement at another location on their own. Further, if there are indications of breaches of professionalism by the student resulting in a failed placement, the student may be placed on academic probation and sent to the Academic Probation Committee.

During the Public Health Field Study Placement The preceptor supervises the student’s onsite performance. Communication is an important aspect of a successful placement. It is expected that both the student and preceptor will contact the faculty advisor at any time when questions or issues arise. Faculty advisors may also contact the preceptor to discuss the student’s progress particularly near the midpoint of the placement.

Public Health Field Study Requirements & Student Deliverables Throughout the course of the placement, students are expected to complete the following required assignments or deliverables:

1. Independent MPH students are required to complete 400 field study hours. Dual degree (DO/MPH and PharmD/MPH) and Joint MSPAS/MPH students automatically receive a 200‐hour field study waiver. All students are expected to work an average of 30‐40 or a minimum of 20 hours per week to complete the total number of required field study hours.

2. Student Code of Conduct: Students must sign/date and submit the Student Code of Conduct form before they contact or meet with preceptors to whom they are recommended for a field study placement. Students may submit this completed/signed form as scanned PDF via Blackboard or email to [email protected], or by fax to (707) 638‐5871.

3. Specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not

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allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement). All field study placements must be approved by the Field Study Coordinator.

4. Scope of Work:* The scope of work provides the framework for the field study, by ensuring that the student and preceptor have a clear understanding of this planned experience. Students must work together with their preceptors to generate a Scope of Work that describes a set of measurable objectives, activities, and a timeline (Instructions for Completing the Scope of Work can be found on page 25 in the appendix of this handbook). (Students must submit a Scope of Work to the Field Study Coordinator one week after the start of their field study placement.)

5. Competency Inventory Form:* This form ensures the integration of didactic coursework with public health practice. Students are required to identify at least five core public health competencies (one from each core area); ten cross‐cutting competencies and three track competencies (Community Health or Global health). Competencies should be identified as a collaborative process between students and preceptors. In order to complete this process, the preceptor and student identify and select the competencies that will be addressed through the field study. In addition, students will be evaluated to determine their level of mastery of the selected competencies upon the completion of the field study (see in the appendix of this handbook on pp. 41‐51). (Students must submit this completed form to the Field Study Coordinator one week after the start of the placement.)

6. Field Study Contract:* This contract must be signed by the preceptor and the student acknowledging an agreement for the student to work and complete agreed upon objectives as negotiated between the student and preceptor. (Students must submit this signed document to the Field Study Coordinator one week after the start of the placement.)

7. Field Study Logs. The purpose of the weekly logs is to help students develop the discipline of keeping track of significant activities and progress toward reaching the objectives that you have set out to achieve in during the field study. (Students must submit their logs to the Field Study Coordinator every two weeks after the start of the field study placement.)

8. Field Study Summary Paper: The purpose of this assignment is for the student to provide a written demonstration of the application and integration of the skills and knowledge acquired through the didactic and practical components of the MPH program in a 3‐6 page paper. (Students must submit this document to the Field Study Coordinator one week after the placement ends

9. Preceptor Evaluation:* Student performance during the field study will be evaluated by the site preceptors to document students’ demonstration of public health competence in a public health setting via an SurveyMonkey link which the preceptor will receive via email. Students will be responsible for meeting with their preceptors to ensure that this evaluation is completed. (Due one week after the placement ends)

10. Site Visit:* During the course of the field study, a site visit from the Program will likely take place. The Field Study Coordinator will contact the student to arrange this visit. The student is responsible for assisting with scheduling the visit, which should include meeting between the student and the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty member and the preceptor and/or

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supervisor. The site visit typically takes place one to three weeks before the placement ends.

11. Site Evaluation: Students are required to submit an evaluation of the field study site via an online survey within one week of the field study end date via an online survey.

* Preceptor Requirements: Preceptors are required to assist the student in developing the Scope of Work, the identification of competencies that are addressed in the field study placement, and completion of the Field Study Contract. In addition, the preceptor must evaluate student performance during the field study to document students’ demonstration of public health competence in a public health setting and also meet with the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty during a site visit (see more details on additional preceptor requirements on page 15 under Public Health Preceptor Responsibilities.)

Field Study Evaluation & Grading The Public Health Field Study is a Pass/Fail course. Evaluation and grading is based on the following measures. Each component must be completed according to the specified course instructions before a grade of pass or fail can be assigned. See below:

Deliverable Percentage of grade

Scope of Work, Competency Inventory,

Field Study Contract 20%

Field Study Logs 15%

Field Study Summary Paper 35%

Site Evaluation 5%

Preceptor’s Evaluation 25%

Site Visit N/A

Grading Policy for Late/Missing Assignments:

Scope of Work/Competency Inventory/Field Study Contract

Late – Lose up to 5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

Field Study Logs

Late – Lose up to 5 points each Not Done – Results in zero

Field Study Summary Paper*

Late – Lose up to 5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

Site Evaluation Late – Lose up to 2.5 points Not Done – Results in Zero

*The Field Study Summary Paper must receive a passing grade in order for students to “pass” the Field Study Course.

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Responsibilities Student Responsibilities

In return for the commitment of the organization, the student has a responsibility to the organization. The MPH program expects students to behave as developing professionals by having a commitment to the organization and to their life long professional development through:

Participating in setting goals for their own learning; Develops the scope of work and completes a competency inventory with assistance from the

preceptor and input from the Field Study Coordinator. Returns completed forms (scope of work, competency inventory and Field Study Contract) Performs assignments and activities identified in scope of work, seeking assistance from the

preceptor, other agency staff or the faculty advisor when needed. Maintains contact with the advisor during placement. Maintains a daily log Assesses the extent to which the field experience has met his/her needs by preparing a written

Summary Paper and completing other assignments required by the field experience. Completes the Student’s Evaluation of Field Study via an online survey within one week of the final

field study end date. Fulfills the requirement of 200 or 400 hours, depending on degree; Completes academic work and assigned papers relating to their internship; Behaves in an ethically and morally professional manner; Performs professional quality work; Conducts themselves consistent with the values of the organization.

Public Health Field Study Site Responsibilities

Provide public health related planning, research and/or services;

Have one or more staff on site with a graduate credential in public health or equivalent professional experience and education who will serve as a designated preceptor;

Offer opportunities for students to be exposed to a variety of organizational departments and individuals, functions and or tasks;

Offer responsibilities to students that are relevant and appropriate to the their individual field study learning goals and professional development;

Provide necessary access to data and program materials for students to conduct their projects;

Have adequate organizational support for students to successfully complete field study activities;

Provide direct and regular supervision for students throughout the placement;

Provide a minimum of 400 hours of public health field work experience for independent MPH students and 200 hours for dual and joint degree students

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Public Health Field Study Preceptor Responsibilities Overall, preceptors are expected to provide supervision for the student and to ensure assigned tasks meet not only the agency's needs but provide opportunities for the student's personal and professional growth. Preceptors must also serve as a liaison between the fieldwork site supervisor (if preceptor is not on site) and the student’s faculty advisor. Specific duties related to the student fieldwork learning objectives include:

a) A mutual agreement on a public health project and field study objectives for the student to pursue. b) Assisting the student in developing the scope of work and identification of competencies. c) Development of a work schedule based on mutually agreed upon objectives for the field experience. d) Ensuring that a project in which the student can carve out ownership of the process and outcome is

provided.

i. Review policies and procedures with which the student is expected to comply. ii. Complete and signs the Field Study Contract iii. Be accessible to the student through a commitment to meeting with the student on a

regular basis to discuss and critique the student’s work and progress (at least once per week).

iv. Encourage student to work independently while providing opportunities for data gathering and sharing information.

v. Become involved with and foster the student’s learning experience. vi. Evaluate the student's performance during and after the field experience via a

scheduled site visit with the Field Study Coordinator or another Public Health Program faculty member and by completing the performance evaluation.

Public Health Program Responsibilities

1. Preparation: The Program will adequately prepare the student for the public health field experience both academically and administratively.

2. Assignment: The Program will be responsible for assigning students to sites that will provide a

quality learning experience. 3. Objectives: The Program will provide field study learning objectives. Students and preceptors will

be required to evaluate compliance with these learning objectives.

4. Affiliation Agreements: The Program will develop affiliation agreements with public health practice sites.

5. Insurance: The Program will assure that all students have current Liability Insurance. The program

will also assure that all students have current health insurance and immunizations.

6. Grading: The Program will be responsible for assigning a final grade to each student.

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7. Issues or problems: The Program will interact with preceptors and be available to address any problems or concerns of the student or the preceptor. In addition, should problems arise at the site, the Program retains the right to remove a student from a rotation.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT

Touro College and University System is a community of scholars and learners committed to maintaining the highest standards of personal integrity in all aspects of our professional and academic lives. Students and faculty are expected to share a mutual respect for teaching, learning and the development of knowledge. Because intellectual integrity is a hallmark of scholarly and scientific inquiry as well as a core value of the Jewish tradition on which our university system was founded, students and faculty are expected to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, professional conduct of academic work and respect for all community members. Academic honesty supports our shared intellectual culture and our ability to trust one another. Students must avoid all acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to:

cheating

plagiarizing (presenting the work or ideas of others as your own)

fabricating (making up information, data, or research results)

tampering (unauthorized removal or alteration of College documents, software, equipment, or other academic‐related materials, including other students’ work)

lying

working with others when assignments or exams require individual work

making unauthorized copies of copyrighted material

facilitating or tolerating the dishonesty of others Academic dishonesty lowers scholastic quality and adversely affects those who will eventually depend on the knowledge and integrity of our graduates. Failure to uphold the principles of academic integrity negatively impacts the reputation of Touro, the value of each and every degree awarded by the institution, and the future success of our graduates. The Touro College and University System views violation of academic integrity with the utmost gravity. Such violations will lead to appropriate sanctions, from failure in coursework up to and including expulsion from the Touro College and University System. We commit ourselves to the shared vision of academic excellence that can only flourish in a climate of integrity.

TUC’S full policy on academic integrity can be found on the Public Health Program website and in the 2013‐2014 Public Health Program Student Handbook.

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APPENDIX

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Documents and Forms

Public Health Field Study Calendar Student Code of Conduct Community Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines

Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines

Scope of Work Template

Instructions for Completing the Scope of Work

TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites

Script Template for Students Who Wish to Contact & Initiate Community Health Field Study Sites Outside the TUC Network

Dual Degree Public Health Field Study (DO/MPH)

Dual Degree Public Health Field Study (PharmD/MPH)

Competency Inventory Form

MPH Competencies

Field Study Contract Field Study Log Guidelines (PH 600 & 623) Field Study Summary Paper Guide

Criteria & Application for Field Study Waiver (PH 600)

Criteria & Application for Field Study Waiver (PH 623)

Formal Request for Application for Current Public Health Professional Employment to the Public Health Field Study (PH 600)

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Public Health Field Study Calendar

Deliverable Delivery Method Due Date

Student Code of Conduct Blackboard, Email or Fax Before the student contacts their

potential preceptor

Scope of Work, Competency Inventory, and Field Study Contract

Blackboard, Email or Fax One week after the

start of the placement

Field Study Logs

400 hours (Independent MPH students)

200 hours (Dual & Joint Degree students and Independent MPH student who have received 200‐hour field study waivers)

Blackboard Every two (2)

weeks

Field Study Summary Paper

Blackboard One week after placement ends.

Site Evaluation

The student will receive a SurveyMonkey Link to this evaluation via email.

One week after placement ends.

Performance Evaluation

The preceptor will receive a SurveyMonkey Link to this evaluation via email.

One week after placement ends.

Site Visit

Dates TBD

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PH 600/623 PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY

Touro University California (TUC) is obliged to offer all staff members and students a safe working and study environment. This includes ensuring that all field study activities are conducted in a responsible manner, having regard to the inherent risks of fieldwork. There is a complementary obligation on the part of every individual who participates in such activities, to take reasonable care to ensure their own health, safety and welfare and that of other participants.

Part of this obligation requires that every student participating in the field study practicum maintain an acceptable standard of conduct as outlined and as required by the TUC College of Education and Health Sciences- Public Health Program. This extends to an obligation to comply with all lawful directives of TUC. Any failure to do so, or any willful breach of the Public Health Program Field Study Guidelines or this Code of Conduct will be deemed non- academic misconduct and students may be required to return home before the completion of the fieldwork activities at their own cost. Penalties, including dismissal may also apply.

GENERAL CONDUCT

TUC expects every student to: Respect the rights of other students, staff members or the public, and not engage in any conduct

which may be perceived as harassment or interference with those rights; To conduct the field study in a professional and productive manner being both diligent and

proactive; Not physically or verbally abuse other students, staff members or the public; Not behave in an unruly or disreputable manner, or to the discomfort of any other students, staff

members or the public; Be courteous when dealing with the public while in the field; Not tamper with, vandalize nor destroy private and public property; Behave in a way which protects the reputation and good name of the University; and Comply with all relevant laws. [Especially for global travelers] Avoid unnecessary risks including travelling at night, unnecessarily

travelling alone, riding on a motorcycle, and excessively using electronics (i.e. laptops, cameras and iPods) in public, excessive use of alcohol, purchase of or use of any illegal substances, soliciting of sex workers, use of firearms, extreme sports.

FIELD STUDY COORDINATOR

Each field study is conducted under the supervision of a field study coordinator. All students are subject to the jurisdiction of the Field Study Coordinator for the entire duration of the fieldwork excursion and must observe all lawful directives and instructions given by the Field Study Coordinator. Failure to do so will be deemed non-academic misconduct in accordance with TUC policies. Students also agree to accept and complete the field study placement as assigned.

I, (print name and Student ID Number), have read and understand my obligations under the attached Code of Conduct. I agree to be bound by and acknowledge my obligations under the Code of Conduct. I further understand that penalties may be imposed upon me should I willfully breach this Code of Conduct and that I may appeal against these penalties using the University’s appeal mechanisms. I further acknowledge and agree that if I am required by the Public Health Program to return home before the completion of the field study, I will do so promptly and be responsible for the costs.

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Signature Date

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Community Health Track Field Study Timeline & Deadlines 2013‐2014 Academic Year

Field Study Objective Summer2013 Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Summer 2014 Culminating Experience Orientations November 15, 2012*

February 7, 2013* June 24, 2013June 25, 2013 July 31,2013 (PA 2014)

July 30, 2013October 3, 2013 October 31, 2013 (PA 2014) 1‐4 p.m.

November 13, 2013*February 6, 2014*

New Field Study Site Registration (for student‐initiated sites only)

April 12, 2013 July 5, 2013 November 1, 2013 March 1, 2014

PA Class of 2014 Select CH Field Study August 16, 2013

All Students Submit Field Study Planning Form & Resume

April 12, 2013 July 12, 2013 November 1, 2013 March 1, 2014

Field Study Start date** June 3 ‐ 13, 2013** Aug. 26 ‐ Sep. 6, 2013** January 6 ‐ 17, 2014** May 19 ‐ 30, 2014**

PA Class of 2014 Field Study Start date N/A N/A February 3‐March 14, 2014

N/A

Dual Degree Field Study Start date Variable(minimum 6 consecutive weeks)

Variable(minimum 6 consecutive weeks)



Field Study Deliverables

Student Code of Conduct Due before the student contacts their potential preceptor

Due before the student contacts their potential preceptor



Field Study Scope of Work, Competency Inventory & Contract

Due 1 week after start of placement




Field Study Logs Due every two (2) weeks Due every two (2) weeks Due every two (2) weeks Due every two (2) weeks

Arrange one site visit During placement During placement During placement During placement

Preceptor Evaluation Due one week after field study placement ends

Due one week after field study placement ends



Site evaluation (for students) Due one week after field study placement ends




Field Study Summary Paper Due one week after field study placement ends




*Tentative date: Exact dates, times and locations will be posted on the Public Health Program website where applicable. **Tentative date: Please note that these are general start dates for the field study. Start dates for student field study placements may vary for each student.

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Global Health Track Field Study Timeline & Deadlines 2013‐2014 Academic Year

Field Study Task Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Summer 2014

Culminating Experience Orientations July 31, 2013 (PAs) October 3, 2013 February 6, 2014

PA Class of 2014 Select GH Field Study August 16, 2013

Submit Field Study Planning Form & Resume July 5, 2013 November 15, 2013 April 4, 2014

Pre‐departure sessions* Per country coordinator Per country coordinator Per country coordinator

Field Study Start Dates** Aug 26 – Sep. 6, 2013 (Ethiopia: September 17)

January 6 ‐ 17, 2014 May 19 ‐ 30, 2014

Physician Assistant/MPH Field Study N/A January 27 – March 7, 2014

Field Study Deliverables

Student Code of Conduct Due one week prior to the student departure date

Due one week prior to the student departure date

Due one week prior to the student departure date

Field Study Scope of Work, Competency Inventory & Contract




Field Study Logs Due every two (2) weeks Due every two (2) weeks Due every two (2) weeks

Site visit (via Skype and/or electronic communication) During placement During placement During placement

Preceptor Evaluation Due one week after field study placement ends



Site evaluation (for students) Due one week after field study placement ends



*The student is responsible for meeting with the Global Health Faculty coordinator for their field study site. Each coordinator will conduct orientations, pre‐departure sessions and other meetings as necessary. **Tentative dates as a guideline for airfare purchase – individual dates may vary

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY

SCOPE OF WORK FOR: _____________________________________ ____________________

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (S)

ACTIVITIES TIMELINE INDICATORS OF OUTCOMES

FOR EACH OBJECTIVE

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Public Health Field Study Instructions for Completing Scope of Work

Each Student is required to complete and submit a final scope of work during the first week of starting their field work, as part of the signed contract between the student and the preceptor. The scope of work provides the framework for the field experience, by ensuring that:

1. The student and preceptor have a clear understanding of this planned experience 2. The experience is appropriate to earn academic credit toward the MPH degree.

Recommended time line and steps for creating scope of work:

Meet with preceptor and or site coordinator to discuss the experience Student writes draft of scope of work based on above discussion Submit final scope of work to Nemesia Kelly via Blackboard as part of signed contract

during the first week of the field study The Scope of Work must be typed as handwritten material is not acceptable.

Suggestions for creating scope of work:

Be clear in proposed general work Create objectives that are specific but not cluttered with language Scope of work should be as long as needed to adequately describe planned experience Be very specific in activities associated with objectives Estimate time for each activity, remember that deciding how much time something

should take is always an estimate Determine how you will evaluate yourself, think about:

o How will you and your preceptor know that you completed an activity or objective?

o How will you and your preceptor know how well you completed the activity or objective?

o Some general evaluation guidelines: Weekly logs Final preceptor's evaluation Final student's evaluation Student's final summary report

Remember that, should it become necessary, it is possible (and sometimes expected) to change the scope of work

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TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites

The TUC Public Health Program has established successful partnerships with the following sites to provide field study placement opportunities for TUC MPH students enrolled in the Community Health Track:

Alameda County Medical Center

Alameda County Public Health Department

Alameda County Public Health Department‐Women Infants and Children Program (WIC)

Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL)

Axion Health, Denver, CO

Benicia Unified School District

California Children's Services (CCS)

Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center

Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueno

Children's Hospital & Research Center, Oakland Teen Clinic

Children's Hospital LA, USC Keck School of Medicine, Pediatrics

Children's Hospital & Research Center, Chappell Hayes Health Center

Clinic by the Bay

Clinica Sierra Vista, Bakersfield, CA

Communities Against Substance Abuse, El Cajon

Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County

Community Health Clinic Ole

Contra Costa Health Services – Public Health AIDS Program

County of Marin Health and Human Services

County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health ‐ Community Health and Prevention Services

County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health ‐ Epidemiology Program

County of Marin Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health ‐ Prevention Hub

County of Placer, Health and Human Services

County of San Diego HHSA Public Health Services

County of Yolo Health Department

Fighting Back Partnership

Gila County Department of Public Health

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Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Houston Texas

Health Education Council

Hesperian

Kern Medical Center

Latino Health Access

Lifelong Medical Care

Lyon‐Martin Health Services

Marin General Hospital

Marin Medical Society (MMS)

Mental Health Association of Alameda County; FERC

Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA

Monterey County Health Department

Napa County Health & Human Services Agency ‐ Public Health Division

Natividad Medical Center, Monterey County

Network for a Healthy California‐ LA Region, Department of Public Health LA County

Orange County Health Care Agency, Tobacco Use Prevention

Pacific Health Foundation

Partnership HealthPlan of California

Petaluma Health Center

Planned Parenthood – Shasta Diablo

Prevention Partnership California

Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Community Outreach

Research Enterprises Services

Saath USA

San Francisco Department of Health

San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department

San Mateo Public Health Department

San Quentin State Prison Health Care Services

Santa Clara County Public Health Department

Shasta County Health & Human Services Public Health Branch

Solano Coalition for Better Health

Solano County Emergency Medical Services Agency

Solano County Health & Social Services (HSS) – AIDS

Solano County Health and Human Services – Black Infant Health Program

Solano County Health and Human Services – CHDP Program

Solano County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, PH Emergency Preparedness & Response Program (PHERP)/Family Health Services

Solano County Health and Human Services– Family Health Services

Solano County Health and Human Services – Healthcare for the Homeless

Solano County Health and Human Services – Office of Family Violence Prevention

Solano County Health and Human Services – PHERP Bird Flu Pandemic

Solano County Health and Human Services ‐ Public Health

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Solano County Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Bureau

Sonoma County Public Health Department

Southern Nevada Health District

Stanislaus County Health Services Agency – Public Health Division

Tahoe Forest Hospital District

Texas Department of State Health Services

The Effort Community Health Center, Women's Health Programs

Touro University/Solano County Family Health Services

Travis Air Force Base 60th Medical Group

UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities

Vallejo Unified School District

Ventura County Public Health

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Script Template for Students Who Wish to Contact & Initiate

Community Health Field Study Sites Outside the TUC Network Below is a form email/letter or “script” to assist students in initiating a community health field study at a public health practice agency outside the TUC network. For reaching out to prospective public health field study sites, the Program recommends first reaching out to their human resources and volunteer departments and later to specific department administrators or directors. Also, in your email communication with the prospective site, attach and/or include the Program Brochure, Guidelines for Field Study Sites and Preceptors, and our Field Study Preceptor Handbook (link only). Dear [Public Health Practitioner]: I am a current Master of Public Health student in the Public Health Program at Touro University California (TUC) and am currently seeking a potential field study placement at your agency/organization. The TUC Public Health Field Study is a degree requirement for all TUC MPH students and provides them with practical experience in a public health setting. Essentially, the Public Health Field Study is unpaid field work experience, in which students apply and integrate the skills and knowledge acquired during their graduate didactic coursework. The Public Health Field Study provides invaluable real‐world, practical exposure, experience, and mentorship to our students. Students gain knowledge, skills, confidence, and relationships that enhance their academic training, professional development, and effectiveness. The Program is also committed to the ongoing development of successful partnerships with public health and community health agencies and organizations in order to provide optimal field study placement opportunities for its MPH students. The Program also to encourages students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. Any student‐initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration.

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To learn more the TUC Public Health Program, please see the Public Health Program Brochure or visit us at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/ or at for an overview of the Public Health Field Study. In addition, you will find the Guidelines for Field Study Sites & Preceptors and a copy of the Field Study Preceptor Handbook at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html.

MPH Students As our program trains many students from diverse backgrounds and outstanding academic abilities, they are expected to make significant contributions to our partnering community health and public health organizations. TUC MPH students are bright, motivated, and eager to contribute and bring fresh ideas and energy to address opportunities and challenges. Organizations find that offering field study placements to TUC MPH students is well worth the investment of time and energy and that the experience of being a mentor is greatly beneficial.

The TUC Public Health Program is well‐represented by a student population with a diversity of experience through current enrollment in its Independent MPH Degree Program, the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)/MPH and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)/MPH Dual Degree programs, and the Joint Master of Science in Physician Assistants Studies/MPH Program (details about our degree programs is available at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/).

Under the supervision of site preceptors:

MPH students are required to complete a 400‐hour field study under the supervision of site preceptors.

Dual degree (DO/MPH and PharmD/MPH) students and joint (MSPAS/MPH) students are required to complete a 200‐hour field study under the supervision of site preceptors (dual and joint students receive automatic 200‐hour field study waivers)

Site Requirements Any student‐initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Please consider how I may assist and contribute to your organization this fall (August to December). Attached is my resume and cover letter. [This is where you can illustrate your experience, skills, qualifications, interests, etc.] Please feel free to also contact the TUC Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, via email at [email protected] or via phone at (707) 638‐5827 if your agency/organization is interested in supporting the education and public health training of a TUC MPH student through the Public Health Field Study course. Ms. Kelly can assist you with

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questions about posting a field study/internship opportunity and provide additional information and consultation about developing such opportunities at your organization. She can also work with you to find additional student interns and help make the field study/internship experience a success for your organization. Please see the instructions below regarding how to register as a new field study site. To Register as New Public Health Field Study Site To register as an existing site and post a new field study project/internship, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IjKhRyhticaDPhI_2fTKdGew_3d_3d and complete all required fields and click ‘Done.’ Thank you for your consideration, [Name of Student]

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Dual Degree Public Health Field Study (2 Units - 200 Hours) Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health (DO/MPH)

Students in the DO/MPH Dual Degree program are required to complete 30 credit hours of the PH curriculum and are allowed to transfer 12 units from the DO curriculum. In addition, these students receive an automatic 200‐hour waiver for the Public Health Field Study, which is reduced from the 400‐hour requirement for Independent MPH students, and must be conducted over a minimum 6 consecutive weeks. DO/MPH students have two different options for undertaking the Dual Degree Public Health Field Study, following the completion of all core and track MPH courses:

1. With the assistance of the COM Clinical Education Department, schedule two (2) consecutive elective rotations (8 weeks) during the 3rd year to complete the Dual Degree Public Health Field Study. This field study is carried out as an exclusive MPH course managed by the MPH program and independent of the College of Medicine (DO) Program.

2. With the assistance of the COM Clinical Education Department, Schedule two (2)

consecutive elective research rotations (8 weeks) during the 3rd or 4th years to complete the Dual Degree Public Health Field Study and satisfy the DO program research rotation. This option must meet all of the MPH field study requirements and be approved by the DO clinical education department. Students will enroll in both the PH 623 field study course and DO research elective course concurrently. The field study is carried out as an exclusive MPH course managed by the MPH program and independent of the College of Medicine (DO) Program.

Upon receiving their rotation dates from the COM Clinical Education Department in the spring semester of their 2nd year, DO/MPH students are advised to complete the following steps:

1. Observe the Community Health & Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html).

2. Community Health Track students review appropriate sites and opportunities based on their skills set, public health interests (see the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites (see pp. 26‐28 in the appendix of this handbook or download at

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http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf).

3. Global Health students review the Global Health Field Study Overview at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html for information on the Public Health Program’s Global Health field study sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia, various options for the global health field study, travel dates, types of projects are available at the different sites, and approximate costs (flights, room/board, etc.)

4. By the specified deadlines, complete the Field Study Planning Form online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FS_planning_form. By submitting the Field Study Planning Form, students select Community Health or Global Health placement sites, indicate the number of hours required for their field study, specify time frames required for their field study, the number of hours they can devote to a field study, and their public health interests. Community Health Track students are required to rank their site preferences

specific to their public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network of Community Health/SF Bay Area). IMPORTANT: As field study placement sites are limited, placements at preferred sites cannot be guaranteed; therefore, students may not be assigned to their top‐ranked site.

Students enrolled in the Global Health Track must also contact the field study

coordinator who manages their preferred field study site:


Cambodia & Ethiopia: Dr. Carinne Brody ([email protected]) 5. Upon submitting the Field Study Planning Form, email a C.V. or resume and a signed

Student Code of Conduct (download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/StudentCodeofConduct_PH600_623.pdf) to [email protected].

6. Contact Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, online at http://mph.checkappointments.com to schedule an appointment to discuss the Public Health Field Study course and to submit a DO/MPH Dual Degree Field Study Approval Form (see below on p. 36).

7. Enroll in the PH 623 Field Study course (2 units) for the term/year of the planned field study and refer to the Public Health Field Study Student Handbook.

8. Look out for email and web announcements regarding events specifically addressing the Public Health Field Study.

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Public Health Field Study Placement Sites Community Health Track: Community Health Track students are required to complete a local field study within the TUC network of community health field study placement sites, which include, but are not limited to: county health departments, state and federal health agencies, community health organizations, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic and voluntary health agencies, and non‐profit organizations. For a listing of TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites, please visit http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIELD STUDY SITE AGENCY ORIENTATION REQUIREMENTS: All affiliated county health departments, governmental health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and managed care organizations require students to fulfill agency orientation requirements which include, agency paperwork, health and immunization documentation, security scans/background check, and drug testing prior to beginning their field studies. Typically, this entire process can take up to (1) month for students to complete. At some agencies, the process can take longer. For example, to obtain clearance through the Live Scan Fingerprinting process at Solano County can take up to two (2) months. Therefore, it is important that the students take the necessary steps to satisfy these preliminary orientation requirements well before the start date of their field studies. Global Health Track: Global Health Track students conduct their field studies at sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at public health institutions, universities, ministries of health, non‐governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies. Detailed information regarding the Global Health Field Study is available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html. The Matching Process for Community Health Track Students All field study placements are coordinated and approved by the Field Study Coordinator. The Field Study Coordinator will work to facilitate the placement process by matching the student’s public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network/SF Bay Area). Once a match has been made, an official field study placement recommendation letter is emailed to the student and preceptor. The official recommendation letter and email communication to the student will clearly state that it is the responsibility of the student to contact the site preceptor or coordinator to finalize their placement. In some cases, students may be required to interview with the site preceptor or coordinator to secure their field study placement. IMPORTANT: Many placement sites require a security scan or drug testing. Students will be advised to ensure that all preliminary requirements are satisfied well before the start date of their placement. Student‐Initiated Community Health Field Study Sites By taking initiative to independently seek out alternative Community Health field study opportunities outside the existing TUC network of Community Health placement sites,

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interested and motivated students have helped the Program establish new Community Health placement sites over the last few years. Students have aided the Program in identifying appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students at several prospective placement sites within our surrounding communities, the SF Bay Area, in other parts of California, and in a few neighboring western U.S. states. These student‐initiated sites were subsequently approved by the Program, resulting in the expansion of our current network of Community Health field study placement sites. The Program continues to encourage students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. For a script template for contacting prospective sites, please refer to pp. 29‐30. Please note: Any student‐initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Students who identify potential public health practice entities as prospective Community Health field study sites are advised to direct those potential sites to our online Guide for Agencies to Qualify as Approved Field Study Placement Sites at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Guidelines_FieldStudySites_Preceptors2.pdf. In addition, in order for the Program to conduct a timely review and approval process for authorizing a student‐initiated site, the proposed site must register online as new field study site at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IjKhRyhticaDPhI_2fTKdGew_3d_3d by our specified deadlines (refer to the 2013‐2014 Community Health Track Field Study Timeline and Deadlines at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/2013‐14_CH_FieldStudy_Timeline‐Deadlines.pdf.)

IMPORTANT: The Public Health Program cannot guarantee community health field study placements outside the SF Bay Area. Students who are interested in conducting their field studies outside of the SF Bay area are encouraged to independently seek out an appropriate public health field study placement in their preferred location. The Field Study Coordinator can offer limited assistance in setting up community health field study placements outside of the SF Bay Area. Moreover, any field study placement outside the existing TUC Network must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit.

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HEALTH PROGRAM


DO/MPH Dual Degree Field Study Approval Form Student Name:

Academic Term/Year:

Rotation Elective Type Selected:

(Circle One): Clinical Research

Specify Dates of Rotation:

Proposed Placement:

Preceptor Name & Credentials (PhD, MPH, DO)

Preceptor Phone:

Preceptor Email Address: Preceptor Address:

Proposed Project (Describe the main objectives of this placement in 2‐3 sentences):

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Approved Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator ___________________________________ ______________________ Signature Date

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HEALTH PROGRAM


Dual Degree Public Health Field Study (2-Units - 200 Hours) Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health (PharmD/MPH)

Students in the PharmD/MPH Dual Degree program are required to complete 30 credit hours of the PH curriculum and are allowed to transfer 12 units from the PharmD curriculum. In addition, these students receive an automatic 200‐hour waiver for the Public Health Field Study, which is reduced from the 400‐hour requirement for Independent MPH students, and must be conducted over a minimum 6 consecutive weeks. The Dual Degree Public Health Field Study requires 200 hours to be conducted over a minimum 6 consecutive weeks. With the assistance of the COP Experiential Program, PharmD/MPH Students must schedule a 6‐week open block to complete the Dual Degree Public Health Field Study. The PharmD/MPH Dual Degree Public Health Field Study is carried out as an exclusive MPH course (PH 623) managed by the Public Health Program and independent of the College of Pharmacy. PharmD/MPH Students are advised to complete the following steps:

1. No later than the fall semester of P2 Year, observe the Community Health & Global Health Field Study Timeline & Deadlines (available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html). 2. In the spring semester (January) of your P2 Year, select dates for two 6‐week open blocks as directed by the COP Experiential Program via the COP E*Value Preference Selection System. Designate one of the two open blocks for completion of the Public Health Field Study. 3. Community Health Track students review appropriate sites and opportunities based on their skills set, public health interests (see the TUC network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites (see pp. 26‐28 in the appendix of this handbook or download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf). 4. Global Health students review the Global Health Field Study Overview at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html for information on the Public Health Program’s Global Health field study sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia, various options for the global health field study, travel dates, types of projects are

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available at the different sites, and approximate costs (flights, room/board, etc.) 5. Upon receiving confirmed open blocks dates, complete the Field Study Planning Form online https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FS_planning_form by the specified deadlines and corresponding to the semester designated for completion of the Public Health Field Study. By submitting the Field Study Planning Form, students select Community Health or Global Health placement sites, indicate the number of hours required for their field study, specify time frames required for their field study, and their public health interests.

Community Health Track students are required to rank their site preferences specific

to their public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network of Community Health/SF Bay Area). IMPORTANT: As field study placement sites are limited, placements at preferred sites cannot be guaranteed; therefore, students may not be assigned to their top‐ranked site.

Students enrolled in the Global Health Track must also contact the field study coordinator who manages their preferred field study site:


Cambodia & Ethiopia: Dr. Carinne Brody ([email protected]) 6. Upon submitting the Field Study Planning Form, email a C.V. or resume and a signed

Student Code of Conduct (download at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/StudentCodeofConduct_PH600_623.pdf) to [email protected].

7. Contact Public Health Program Field Study Coordinator, Nemesia Kelly, online at http://mph.checkappointments.com to schedule an appointment to discuss the Public Health Field Study course.

8. Enroll in the PH 623 Field Study course (2 units) for the term/year of the planned field study and refer to the Public Health Field Study Student Handbook.

9. Look out for email and web announcements regarding events specifically addressing the Public Health Field Study.

Public Health Field Study Sites Community Health Track: Community Health Track students are required to complete a local field study within the TUC network of community health field study placement sites, which include, but are not limited to: county health departments, state and federal health agencies, community health organizations, hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic and voluntary health agencies, and non‐profit organizations. For a

39

listing of TUC Network of Community Health Field Study Placement Sites, please visit http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Network_CHTSites.pdf. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIELD STUDY SITE AGENCY ORIENTATION REQUIREMENTS: All affiliated county health departments, governmental health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and managed care organizations require students to fulfill agency orientation requirements which include, agency paperwork, health and immunization documentation, security scans/background check, and drug testing prior to beginning their field studies. Typically, this entire process can take up to (1) month for students to complete. At some agencies, the process can take longer. For example, to obtain clearance through the Live Scan Fingerprinting process at Solano County can take up to two (2) months. Therefore, it is important that the students take the necessary steps to satisfy these preliminary orientation requirements well before the start date of their field studies. Global Health Track: Global Health Track students conduct their field studies at sites in Bolivia, Cambodia, and Ethiopia under the guidance of site preceptors and course coordinators at public health institutions, universities, ministries of health, non‐governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies. Detailed information regarding the Global Health Field Study is available online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/culminatingexperience/phfieldstudy.html. The Matching Process for Community Health Track Students All field study placements are coordinated and approved by the Field Study Coordinator. The Field Study Coordinator will work to facilitate the placement process by matching the student’s public health interests, qualifications, and geographic location preference (within the TUC Network/SF Bay Area). Once a match has been made, an official field study placement recommendation letter is emailed to the student and preceptor. The official recommendation letter and email communication to the student will clearly state that it is the responsibility of the student to contact the site preceptor or coordinator to finalize their placement. In some cases, students may be required to interview with the site preceptor or coordinator to secure their field study placement. IMPORTANT: Many placement sites require a security scan or drug testing. Students will be advised to ensure that all preliminary requirements are satisfied well before the start date of their placement. Student‐Initiated Community Health Field Study Sites By taking initiative to independently seek out alternative Community Health field study opportunities outside the existing TUC network of Community Health placement sites, interested and motivated students have helped the Program establish new Community Health placement sites over the last few years. Students have aided the Program in identifying appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students at several prospective placement sites within our surrounding communities, the SF Bay Area, in other parts of California, and in a few neighboring western U.S. states. These student‐initiated sites were subsequently approved by the Program, resulting in the expansion of our current network of Community Health field study placement sites.

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The Program continues to encourage students to independently seek out Community Health field study placement sites outside our existing network that provide appropriate public health practice settings for MPH students. For a script template for contacting prospective sites, please refer to pp. 29‐30. Please note: Any student‐initiated field study placement outside the existing TUC network of Community Health field study placement sites must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit. The prospective agency or organization must meet the Program’s criteria in order to be approved as a field study site. Further, TUC and the Public Health Program must also meet the criteria of the agency or organization to be approved for affiliation, partnership, and collaboration. Students who identify potential public health practice entities as prospective Community Health field study sites are advised to direct those potential sites to our online Guide for Agencies to Qualify as Approved Field Study Placement Sites at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Guidelines_FieldStudySites_Preceptors2.pdf. In addition, in order for the Program to conduct a timely review and approval process for authorizing a student‐initiated site, the proposed site must register online as new field study site at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IjKhRyhticaDPhI_2fTKdGew_3d_3d by our specified deadlines (refer to the 2013‐2014 Community Health Track Field Study Timeline and Deadlines at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/2013‐14_CH_FieldStudy_Timeline‐Deadlines.pdf. IMPORTANT: The Public Health Program cannot guarantee community health field study placements outside the SF Bay Area. Students who are interested in conducting their field studies outside of the SF Bay area are encouraged to independently seek out an appropriate public health field study placement in their preferred location. The Field Study Coordinator can offer limited assistance in setting up community health field study placements outside of the SF Bay Area. Moreover, any field study placement outside the existing TUC Network must be approved by the Program in order for the student to receive credit.

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Public Health Field Study Competency Inventory Form

Name:__________________________________________

Public Health Program MPH Competencies: For their field study projects, students are required to identify at least 5 core public health competencies (one from each core area‐ Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences); 10 cross‐cutting competencies and three (3) track competencies (community or global health). Competencies should be identified as a collaborative process between students and preceptors by identifying and selecting the competencies that will be addressed through the field study. Please refer to the MPH Competencies online at http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/MPHCompetencies.pdf. The Competency Inventory must be typed as handwritten material is not acceptable.

Selection of 5 Core Public Health Competencies:

Competency Area

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Selection of 10 Cross Cutting Public Health Competencies:

Competency Area

1.

2.

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Competency Area

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9

10.

Selection of 3 Track Competencies (Global or Community Health):

Competency Area

1.

2.

3.

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MPH COMPETENCIES The MPH competencies are based on those approved by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) in 2006. By graduation, all MPH students must demonstrate the ability to apply public health perspectives, knowledge, and skills in five discipline specific areas (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences) and seven cross-cutting areas (communication and informatics, diversity and culture, leadership, professionalism, program planning, systems thinking, and public health biology). The discipline specific competencies are covered in the following five core public health courses: PH 604 Health Services Administration, PH 607 Biostatistics, PH 608 Behavioral and Social Aspects of Public Health, PH 618 Epidemiology, and PH 648 Environmental Health. The cross-cutting competencies are embedded throughout the entire curriculum. In addition, MPH students are evaluated on competencies associated with their chosen Track Option: Community Health or Global Health. Upon completion of the MPH Program at TUC, graduates should master the following competencies:

Discipline Specific BIOSTATISTICS Biostatistics is the development and application of statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing and solving problems in public health; health care; and biomedical, clinical and population-based research. Competencies:

1. Describe the roles biostatistics serves in the discipline of public health. 2. Describe basic concepts of probability, random variation and commonly

used statistical probability distributions. 3. Describe preferred methodological alternatives to commonly used

statistical methods when assumptions are not met. 4. Distinguish among the different measurement scales and the implications

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for selection of statistical methods to be used based on these distinctions. 5. Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public health

data. 6. Apply common statistical methods for inference. 7. Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of

study design for answering a particular research question. 8. Apply basic informatics techniques with vital statistics and public health

records in the description of public health characteristics and in public health research and evaluation.

9. Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies. 10. Develop written and oral presentations based on statistical analyses for

both public health professionals and educated lay audiences. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES Environmental health sciences represent the study of environmental factors including biological, physical and chemical factors that affect the health of a community. Competencies: 1. Describe the direct and indirect human, ecological and safety effects of major environmental and occupational agents. 2. Describe genetic, physiologic and psychosocial factors that affect susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental hazards. 3. Describe federal and state regulatory programs, guidelines and authorities that control environmental health issues. 4. Specify current environmental risk assessment methods. 5. Specify approaches for assessing, preventing and controlling environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and safety. 6. Explain the general mechanisms of toxicity in eliciting a toxic response to various environmental exposures. 7. Discuss various risk management and risk communication approaches in relation to issues of environmental justice and equity. 8. Develop a testable model of environmental insult. EPIDEMIOLOGY Epidemiology is the study of patterns of disease and injury in human populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems. Competencies:

1. Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.

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2. Identify the principles and limitations of public health screening programs.

3. Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.

4. Explain the importance of epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical, economic and political discussion of health issues.

5. Comprehend basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data.

6. Apply the basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology. 7. Calculate basic epidemiology measures. 8. Communicate epidemiologic information to lay and professional

audiences. 9. Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data. 10. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic reports.

HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Health policy and management is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry and practice concerned with the delivery, quality and costs of health care for individuals and populations. This definition assumes both a managerial and a policy concern with the structure, process and outcomes of health services including the costs, financing, organization, outcomes and accessibility of care. Competencies:

1. Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing and delivery of health services and public health systems in the US.

2. Describe the legal and ethical bases for public health and health services. 3. Explain methods of ensuring community health safety and preparedness. 4. Discuss the policy process for improving the health status of populations. 5. Apply the principles of program planning, development, budgeting,

management and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives. 6. Apply principles of strategic planning and marketing to public health. 7. Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to address

organizational performance issues. 8. Apply "systems thinking" for resolving organizational problems. 9. Communicate health policy and management issues using appropriate

channels and technologies. 10. Demonstrate leadership skills for building partnerships.

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SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES The social and behavioral sciences in public health address the behavioral, social and cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities over the life course. Research and practice in this area contributes to the development, administration and evaluation of programs and policies in public health and health services to promote and sustain healthy environments and healthy lives for individuals and populations. Competencies:

1. Identify basic theories, concepts and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice.

2. Identify the causes of social and behavioral factors that affect health of individuals and populations.

3. Identify individual, organizational and community concerns, assets, resources and deficits for social and behavioral science interventions.

4. Identify critical stakeholders for the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, policies and interventions.

5. Describe steps and procedures for the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs, policies and interventions.

6. Describe the role of social and community factors in both the onset and solution of public health problems.

7. Describe the merits of social and behavioral science interventions and policies.

8. Apply evidence-based approaches in the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions.

9. Apply ethical principles to public health program planning, implementation and evaluation.

10. Specify multiple targets and levels of intervention for social and behavioral science programs and/or policies.

Cross Cutting SYSTEMS THINKING The ability to recognize system level properties that result from dynamic interactions among human and social systems and how they affect the relationships among individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and environments. A. Identify characteristics of a system in the context public health interactions. B. Identify unintended consequences produced by changes made to a public health system. C. Explain how systems (e.g. individuals, social networks, organizations and

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communities) may be viewed as systems within systems in the analysis of public health problems. D. Explain how the contexts of gender, race, poverty, history, migration and culture are important in the design of interventions within public health systems. E. Illustrate how changes in public health systems (including input processes and output) can be measured. F. Analyze inter-relationships among systems that influence the quality of life of people in their communities. G. Analyze the effects of political, social and economic policies on public health systems at the local, state, national and international levels. H. Analyze the impact of global trends and interdependencies on public health-related problems and systems. I. Assess strengths and weaknesses of applying the systems approach to public health problems.

PROGRAM PLANNING The ability to plan for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to improve individual and community health. A. Describe how social, behavioral, environmental and biological factors contribute to specific individual and community health outcomes. B. Describe the tasks necessary to assure that program implementation occurs as intended. C. Explain how the findings of a program evaluation can be used. D. Describe logic models in program development implementation and evaluation. E. Differentiate among goals, measurable objectives, related activities and expected outcomes for a public health program. F. Differentiate the purposes of formative, process and outcome evaluation. G. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods in relation to their strengths limitations and appropriate uses and emphases on reliability and validity. H. In collaboration with others prioritize individual, organizational, and community concerns and resources for public health programs. I. Assess evaluation reports in relation to their quality utility and impact on public health.

PROFESSIONALISM The ability to demonstrate ethical choices, values and professional practices implicit in public health decision; consider the effect of choices on community stewardship, equity, social justice and accountability; and to commit to personal and institutional development. A. Discuss major milestones in the history and development of the public health profession and their relevance for practice in the field.

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B. Apply basic principles of ethical analysis (e.g. the Public Health Code of Ethics, human rights framework, other moral theories) to issues of public health practice and policy. C. Apply evidence-based principles and the scientific knowledge base to critical evaluation and decision-making in public health. D. Apply the core functions of assessment, policy development and assurance in the analysis of public health problems and their solutions. E. Promote high standards of personal and organizational integrity, compassion, honesty and respect for all people. F. Analyze determinants of health and disease using an ecological framework. G. Analyze the potential impacts of legal and regulatory environments on the conduct of ethical public health research and practice. H. Distinguish between population and individual, ethical considerations in relation to the benefits, costs and burdens of public health programs. I. Embrace a definition of public health that captures the unique characteristics of the field (e.g. population-focused, community-oriented, prevention-motivated and rooted in social justice) and how these contribute to professional practice. J. Appreciate the importance of working collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies (e.g. researchers, practitioners, agencies and organizations).

PUBLIC HEALTH BIOLOGY The ability to incorporate public health biology -- the biological and molecular context of public health – into public health practice. A. Describe how behavior alters human biology. B. Identify the ethical, social and legal issues implied by public health biology. C. Explain the role of biology in the ecological model of population-based health. D. Articulate how biological, chemical and physical agents affect human health. E. Apply biological principles to development and implementation of disease prevention control or management programs. F. Apply evidence-based biological and molecular concepts to inform public health laws policies and regulations. G. Explain and integrate general biological and molecular concepts into public health.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATICS The ability to collect, manage and organize data to produce information and meaning that is exchanged by use of signs and symbols; to gather, process, and present information to different audiences in-person, through information technologies, or through media channels; and to strategically design the information and knowledge exchange process to achieve specific objectives. A. Describe how the public health information infrastructure is used to collect process maintain and disseminate data. B. Describe how societal organizational and individual factors influence and are influenced by public health communications. C. Apply theory and strategy-based communication principles across different settings and audiences. D. Apply legal, ethical and confidentiality principles to the use of information and resources in public health settings. E. Use communication and informatics tools in the process of design implementation and evaluation of public health programs. F. Demonstrate effective written and oral skills for communicating with different audiences in the context of professional public health activities. G. Use information technology to access, evaluate and interpret public health data. H. Use informatics methods and resources as strategic tools to promote public health. I. Use informatics and communication methods to advocate for community public health programs and policies.

DIVERSITY AND CULTURE The ability to interact with both diverse individuals and communities to produce or impact an intended public health outcome. A. Describe the roles of history, power, privilege and structural inequality in producing health disparities.

LEADERSHIP The ability to create and communicate a shared vision for a changing future; champion solutions to organizational and community challenges; and energize commitment to goals. A. Describe the skills, responsibilities and attributes of leadership in public health. B. Describe alternative strategies for collaboration and partnership among organizations focused on public health goals. C. Articulate an achievable mission set of core values and vision. D. Engage in dialogue and learning from others to advance public health goals. E. Demonstrate team building negotiation and conflict management skills. F. Demonstrate transparency integrity and honesty in all actions. G. Use collaborative methods for achieving organizational and community health goals. H. Apply social justice and human rights principles when addressing community needs. I. Develop strategies to motivate others for collaborative problem solving decision-making and evaluation.

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B. Explain how professional ethics and practices relate to equity and accountability in diverse community settings. C. Explain why cultural competence alone cannot address health disparity. D. Use culturally appropriate concepts and skills to engage and empower diverse communities. E. Apply the principles of community-based participatory research to improve health in diverse populations. F. Differentiate the terms ‘availability’, ‘acceptability’ and ‘accessibility’ in the context of health care across diverse populations. G. Differentiate between linguistic competence, cultural competency and health literacy in public health practice. H. Cite examples of situations where consideration of culture-specific needs resulted in a more effective modification or adaptation of a health intervention. I. Develop public health programs and strategies responsive to the diverse cultural values and traditions of the communities being served.

Track/Emphasis COMMUNITY HEALTH • Identify and assess community status and community health needs • Plan, develop, and implement community health programs using a variety of strategies to improve a community's health. • Advocate for better health and wellbeing through community mobilization efforts. • Analyze and/or evaluate policies that impact a community’s health • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity towards underserved populations. • Manage fiscal and organizational resources to insure optimal program and service delivery • Evaluate the efficacy of health promotion/prevention programs. • Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and health equity. • Explain and interpret the roles and/or approaches of public health organizations. • Synthesize and disseminate public health information. • Apply conceptual frameworks of health patterns, determinants and disparities in support of community health policy, education, promotion or prevention.

GLOBAL HEALTH • Define the global public health challenges of the developing world in terms of key parameters including population, region, countries and magnitude. • Explain the political economy of global health issues.

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• Demonstrate the linkages between local and global health problems • Demonstrate the health disparities within the developing states and between the developed and developing world. • Communicate effectively the mandates, roles and approaches of international public health organizations. • Facilitate to build partnership with health institutions of higher learning, the • NGO sector and local community organizations. • Demonstrate an understanding of community’s awareness of their own health problems and their solutions. • Recognize the primacy of local solutions to global health issues and promote participatory approaches to problem solving • Demonstrate a commitment to public health that values social justice and promotes health equity globally. • Apply theoretical concepts related to global health patterns and social determinants in support of global health policy, promotion or prevention. • Engage in critical thinking about global health policy and health strategies, especially regarding feasibility, cost effectiveness, sustainability and scalability of different approaches. • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of listening in an unbiased manner, respecting diverse points of view, and observing humility in international situations. • Develop skills to advocate for programs, resources and policies that advance global public health.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM 1310 Club Drive ● Vallejo ● California ● 94592 ● 707-638-5838 (ofc) ● 707-638-5871 (fax)

Public Health Field Study Contract

The purpose of this agreement is to structure the field experience through results-oriented objectives and a well-defined scope of work. This contract and related scope of work serves as the basis for the field study. Once the student and preceptor have signed the contract, any subsequent changes will require the approval of the preceptor and field study coordinator. The contract and scope of work must be submitted to the Program preferably before the start of the field study, but no later than one week after the start of the field study. Students must conduct all field study work on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor (students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement).

Student’s name: ____________________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________________ E-mail address: ____________________________________________ Preceptor’s name: ____________________________________________ Supervisor’s name: ____________________________________________ Organization: ____________________________________________ Address, City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________________ E-mail address: ____________________________________________ Work Fax number: ____________________________________________ Field Study Start Date: ____________________________________________ Hours:

200______ 400_______

I have read the scope of work attached to this document and by my signature approve the field study as outlined. _______________________________ _______________ Student Date _______________________________ _______________ Preceptor Date

Please return a signed copy of this contract via Blackboard or via email as a scanned PDF attachment or via fax to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH •Field Study Coordinator • Touro University California Public Health Program •Email: [email protected] • Fax: (707) 638-5871

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY LOG GUIDELINES for PH 600

How to report your hours:

Field study logs are due every 2 weeks via Blackboard: o Independent MPH Students may devote 30‐40 hours per week to a 400‐hour

field study and submit and their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 80 hours) over the course one semester. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o Independent MPH Students may devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to a 400‐hour field study and submit their logs every 2 weeks (or after every 40 hours) over the course of two semesters. (These students will be required to register for the Field Study Continuation Course ‐ PH 623A for the following semester in order to maintain current enrollment, continue their field study and submission of field study logs, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study.) A total of 20 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

o Independent Students Who Receive 200‐hour Field Study Waivers may devote a minimum of 20 or 30‐40 hours per week towards a 200‐hour field study.

Students who devote 20 hours per week to a 200‐hour field study may submit their logs every 40 hours (after every 2 weeks) over the course of one semester. A total of 10 logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

Students who devote 30‐40 hours per week to a 200‐hour field study may submit their every 2 weeks over a period of 6 weeks. A total of five (5) logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

Do not submit blank logs or partial logs (e.g., if you are out sick, do not submit a blank log for the days out sick).

Work schedules and total hours worked per week will vary based on the agreement between the student and preceptor.

All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement. Working from home is not an acceptable form or

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professional conduct of field work.

Use the field study log form found in the course materials section of Blackboard. Hand written logs will not be accepted. Please note: You are not required to list the activities/work performed hour by hour or detail the amount of time spent accomplishing them; rather, a detailed description of each activity will suffice.

Submit each log via Blackboard as an attachment. Do not type or cut/paste the logs into Blackboard. Give each document a unique file name that identifies you as the student and the type/date of the document. Example: John_Smith_Log1_01012013.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY LOG GUIDELINES for PH 623

How to report your hours:

Field study logs are due every 2 weeks via Blackboard: o MPH Joint & Dual Degree students (Joint MSPAS/MPH (PA), DO/MPH,

PharmD/MPH) must devote 30‐40 hours per week towards a 200‐hour field study over a period of 6 weeks. A total of five (5) logs must be received by the Field Study Coordinator via Blackboard.

Do not submit blank logs or partial logs (e.g., if you are out sick, do not submit a blank log for the days out sick).

Work schedules and total hours worked per week will vary based on the agreement between the student and preceptor.

All field study work must be conducted on‐site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off‐site during the field study placement. Working from home is not an acceptable form or professional conduct of field work.

Use the field study log form found in the course materials section of Blackboard. Hand written logs will not be accepted. Please note: You are not required to list the activities/work performed hour by hour or detail the amount of time spent accomplishing them; rather, a detailed description of each activity will suffice.

Submit each log via Blackboard as an attachment. Do not type or cut/paste the logs into Blackboard. Give each document a unique file name that identifies you as the student and the type/date of the document. Example: John_Smith_Log1_01012013.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY Summary Report Guide


Format Letter Quality print, title page naming project, preceptor agency, advisor, your name and date.

Length

Recommended 3-6 pages, double spaced, not including bibliography or appendices. Attach samples of products completed during field studies as appendices (policy briefs, brochures, curriculum, reports, etc.).

Content

Executive Summary. One page, single spaced. Include the who, what, when, where, why and how of your project; project title, preceptor agency, and supervisor. On the lower right hand corner indicate your name, advisor name and date. Remember this will be added to the notebook of abstracts kept in the department library and potentially posted on the department's field studies website.

Statement of Problem. Briefly summarize your objective(s) and relate this to the problem or issue addressed by your project.

Context/Organization Setting. A description of the agency where (department) you completed your field studies. This should include type of agency, source of funding, mission statement and type of staffing.

Place of Project within Organization. Where did you and your project fit in the agency? Include discussion of how this affected your project, if applicable.

Results Achieved. Describe results achieved during the course of your field studies. Also, explain any difference between proposed scope of work and results achieved, if any.

Theoretical Comparisons with Field Studies. What theories and/or concepts did you use in carrying out the scope of work for your project. Relate specific academic experience with field studies.

Recommendation for Similar Projects. What did you learn in carrying out your work plan that would be helpful in attempting a similar project? What specific skills did you develop and what specific knowledge did you gain? Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

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Recommendations for Yourself. What areas have you been able to identify for your own professional or personal development as a result of your field experience?

Due Date One week after completing field study.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY WAIVER CRITERIA (PH 600) Description: The Public Health Field Study is the culminating experience for all students in the MPH Program. Independent MPH students are required to complete 400 of field study training hours for PH 600 Field Study Course. Certain students may be eligible for a partial waiver of 200 field study hours. Requests for field study waivers are considered and approved on an individual basis. The procedures for requesting a waiver are provided below. Wavier Eligibility Criteria:

Criterion I: Verification of previous public health employment of three years of

continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.)




Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health

problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or

Designing, implementing and/or evaluating policies and/or

intervention strategies/programs. Criterion II: Verification of enrollment in any non-TUC (outside of TUC)

accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, after completing all core and

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track courses and all or the majority of course electives in the Public Health Program

Independent MPH Students are required to submit an application for the 200-hour field study waiver to the Field Study Coordinator (this application is available on pp. 60-61 in the appendix of this handbook). All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Upon approval of this waiver, independent students will register for PH 600 for 4 units and will receive a 200 hour waiver for the field study. All students who receive field study waivers are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their field studies over the course of one academic session in order complete 200 field study hours. A 200-hour field study is equivalent to 6 weeks, taking into account all observed holidays in the TUC academic calendar year. In addition, specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. Specific work schedules are negotiated between the preceptor and the student. All field study work must be conducted on-site under the supervision of the field study preceptor. Students are not allowed to telecommute or work from home or off-site during the field study placement. The Field Study Waiver for students enrolled in the PH 623-A Field Study Continuation Course: All Independent MPH students who previously received 200-hour field study waivers for PH 600 in the previous academic session are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to their field studies in order to complete 200 field study hours by the end of the following academic session. The Field Study Continuation Course allows students to maintain current enrollment or “active MPH student status,” to continue the field study under the direct supervision of their preceptors, and to receive credit for the Public Health Field Study.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY WAIVER APPLICATION (PH 600)

Step. 1: Waiver Instructions for Criterion I. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Title at Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Name of Previous Supervisor:

Previous Supervisor’s Address:

Previous Supervisor’s Phone:

Previous Supervisor’s Email Address:

Step 2. Students submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing relevant public health work experience, including:

Description of specific duties performed; Discussion of the impact or relevance of the experience to public health,

highlighting knowledge, theories and concepts covered in MPH coursework; List of skills/competencies gained in the experience (see MPH general and

track specific competencies specified in the MPH Learning Outcome Inventory; and

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Reference/contact person (preferably someone who supervised you) so that employment/involvement with the agency can be verified.

Step. 1: Waiver Instructions for Criterion II. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of Current School/University

Name of Current Degree Program

Name of Faculty Advisor

Faculty Advisor’s Address:

Faculty Advisor’s Phone:

Faculty Advisor’s Email Address:

Step 2. Students shall and submit an official copy of their transcripts along with this form verifying enrollment in their respective non-TUC accredited four-year medical school, Doctor of Pharmacy program, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.

Step 3. Submit your application at least 4 weeks prior to registration in PH 600. Please remit to:

Nemesia Kelly, MPH Field Study Coordinator E-mail: [email protected]

Waiver Decisions: Once received, a review committee will assess the waiver. Students will be contacted by the Interim Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY WAIVER CRITERIA (PH 623 Dual Degree MPH Students)

Description: The Public Health Field Study is the culminating experience for all students in the MPH Program. Dual degree students are required to complete 200 of field study training hours for PH 623 Field Study Course. Certain students may be eligible for a partial waiver of 200 field study hours. Requests for field study waivers are considered and approved on an individual basis. This waiver is restricted to dual degree students only. The Field Study Waiver for PH 623 provides a full waiver for the 200-hour field study for dual degree students who meet the following criteria:

Verification of previous public health employment of three years of continuous, paid, public health employment prior to enrollment in the MPH program (Clinical experience involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Relevant public health experience must include involvement in at least one of the following activities:



Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or


intervention strategies/programs.

Dual degree students are required to submit an application for the field study waiver to the Field Study Coordinator (this application is available on pp. 63-64 of this handbook). All waivers must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator. Upon approval of this waiver, dual degree students will register for two (2) units of MPH coursework (either a 2-unit elective or two (2) units of the PH 628 Independent Study course) and will receive a full waiver for the field study. Formal petitions will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order to waive the field study requirement for dual degree students.

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PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY WAIVER APPLICATION (PH 623 Dual Degree MPH Students)

Step 1. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Title at Previous Public Health Agency/Organization:

Name of Supervisor:

Supervisor’s Address:

Supervisor’s Phone:

Supervisor’s Email Address:

Step 2. Students shall and submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing relevant public health work experience, including:





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Waiver Decisions Once received, a review committee will assess the waiver. Students will be contacted by the Interim Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.

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APPLICATION OF CURRENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD STUDY (PH 600)

Description: The Public Health Field Study is the culminating experience for all students in the MPH Program. Independent MPH students are required to complete 400 of field study training hours for PH 600 Field Study Course. Independent MPH students who are currently employed at public health practice agencies and organizations while enrolled in the Public Health Program may be permitted to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study if they meet the following criteria: Eligibility Criteria:

Verification of current paid public health employment during enrollment in the TUC Public Health Program (Clinical work involving individual patient care or health facility administration is not considered relevant public health experience.) Relevant current public health employment must include involvement in at least one of the following activities:



Conducting basic or applied research on population-based health problems including the behavioral, biological or environmental risk factors; or


intervention strategies/programs.

The agency/organization must be approved by the Public Health Program as an appropriate field study site and if the projects to which the student is assigned

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provides them a scope of work that meets the criteria of the Public Health Program. (To view the qualifications required by agencies/organizations to become approved field study sites, please visit http://cehs.tu.edu/publichealth/_resources/mphwebfiles/Guidelines_FieldStudySites_Preceptors2.pdf.) Students meeting the above criteria are required to submit an application to the Field Study Coordinator for approval to apply hours worked in their positions on current public health projects towards the hours required for the Public Health Field Study (this application is available on pp. 67-68 of this handbook). An application for use of paid public health work on current public health projects through student employment at a public health practice entity must be approved by the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, and the Field Study Coordinator.

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FORMAL REQUEST TO APPLY CURRENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH FIELD

STUDY (PH 600)

Step 1. Please complete the following. Student Name:

Name of Current Employer:

Current Position/Title:

Name of Supervisor:

Supervisor’s Address:

Supervisor’s Phone:

Supervisor’s Email Address:

Step 2. Please submit a separate 2-3 page (single-spaced) narrative describing current relevant public health work experience, including:




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Decisions Once received, a review committee will assess the waiver. Students will be contacted by the Interim Program Director within two to three weeks with a decision. Decisions of the panel are final.