Why public health as a career?

1. Why public health as a career?

2. Public health careers offer something for everyone. It is a diverse field because health problems in communities and larger populations have multiple determinants. Hence, many different types of professionals work in public health.

3. Major advances in improvement of health over the next decades will come from the broad development and application of population-based prevention programs.

4. Health services delivery systems are undergoing rapid change. There is a greater emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention as a means to reduce the costs of care by improving the health of populations. This represent new opportunities for professionals with advanced training in public health.

5. As the public has become better informed about the effects of toxic wastes and pollutants on their health, greater emphasis is being placed on assuring the safety of our communities as well as worker health and safety. Result is a growing demand for experts in environmental health and industrial hygiene.

6. Public health research is focusing more on women's health, and child and substance abuse. . . .

7. An increased emphasis is being placed on behavioral change to prevent the risk of, for example, STDs, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and unplanned pregnancies. . . .

8. Greater emphasis is also being placed on school health and the health ofThus minority and disadvantaged populations . . .

9. There are new and expanding opportunities where public health expertise is needed.

10. And finally, employment opportunities are opening up as many in the field are reaching retirement.