The solution of public health problems through the development and analysis of prevention, health and health policy is the focus of the PhD program in Prevention and Public Policy. Public policy is viewed in its broad sense, encompassing social issues, law, politics, the environment and science. Students in this program study the effects that public policy has on the health of populations, and the ability to employ public policy to relieve the burdens of disease and injury. The implementation of policies into programmatic efforts also is a focus. Faculty and students employ an interdisciplinary approach to the study, which is reflected by their backgrounds in medicine, epidemiology, social and political science, law, and environmental science.
Within this program, students are able to focus their studies in the areas of social policy and health, injury control, the practice of prevention, as well as environmental and occupational health policy. Students are able to apply the general principles of health policy analysis to these specialized areas of concern. With a focus in social policy and health, the impact of social policies on the level of health and well-being of populations is a focus, as is the relationship between health care and social care. With a focus in injury control, preventing injuries, reducing disability and providing emergency services and rehabilitation are a major emphasis. The practice of prevention focus examines specific public health problems such as AIDS, tobacco, obesity, and violence and develops strategies for addressing these problems through traditional and innovative policies. With the focus in environmental and occupational health policy, the factors in the human environment that affect health and the health of populations are considered. . | |
