PhD Program in Public and Community Health

Developing a doctoral degree program in public and community health at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Full Project Name:PhD Program in Public and Community HealthPrincipal Investigator:Laura Cassidy, MS, PhD, Institute for Health and EquityCo-Investigator:Cheryl A. Maurana, PhD, Institute for Health and EquityAward Amount:3,576,864

Award Date

August2006

Project Duration:96 months

Project Description Narrative:

A priority of the State of Wisconsin Health Plan is to develop a sufficient and competent workforce. To ensure the health of the community, there must be a strong public health infrastructure and a competent public health workforce is an essential component of meeting this challenge.

Through this award, the Medical College of Wisconsin will develop a sustainable doctoral degree program in public and community health to advance public health training, research on important public health issues, and develop future public health leaders for Wisconsin communities.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Fully developed a new doctoral degree program in Public and Community Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin
Established a faculty recruitment process, creating a search committee to identify, evaluate, and select candidates for new faculty positions. Successfully recruited new faculty
Actively engaged in marketing of new program to recruit students through open house events, activities, and industry-specific annual meetings
Enrolled first class of students, graduating all students in the planned four years
Developed processes for continued evuluation, self-study, and program improvement, including creation of PhD Program Faculty quarterly meetings to evaluate student progress and program improvements