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Epidemiology and population health, open postdoctoral position, faculty mentor nilam ram.

In collaboration with The Stanford Center on Longevity we seek Postdoctoral Scholars for a full time, 1 year (potentially renewable)  appointment in the Department of Psychology or School of Medicine at Stanford University. The aim of the post-doc is to study how innovations in AI, especially adaptation of Large Language Models (LLMs) architectures for time-series data, can be used in study of aging, health span, and longevity.  

• Read more about Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Nilam Ram

Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Summer Han

Postdoctoral fellows in cancer epidemiology to conduct real-world evidence studies in oncology using causal inference methods to examine efficient surveillance and treatment strategies using an integrated database of electronic health records from multiple healthcare systems.  

• Read more about Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Summer Han

Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Pascal Geldsetzer

We are looking for a talented researcher with experience in econometric/quasi-experimental approaches for causal effect estimation (e.g., regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences) to help the Geldsetzer lab expand its work on the link between shingles vaccination and dementia (see: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.23.23290253v1; and https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.23295225v1 )

• Read more about Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Pascal Geldsetzer

Lisa Goldman Rosas

The goal of the Food for Health Equity Lab is to generate evidence of the effectiveness of 'Food as Medicine' programs that can be implemented in diverse healthcare settings to  address food insecurity in a way that improves patient outcomes. This work particularly focuses on improving nutrition and reducing chronic diseases within under-resourced communities and communities of color.

• Read more about Lisa Goldman Rosas

Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa

The ultimate goal of my research is to decrease health inequities among racial/ethnic minority populations, particularly Latinxs and immigrant communities, through transdisciplinary and community-engaged scholarship. Our research centers on health equity promotion and chronic disease prevention. This work employs principles of community engagement and Community Based Participatory Research and partners with multi-sectoral stakeholders to design and implement research that meets the needs of local communities. Dr.

• Read more about Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa

Andres Cardenas

Our group investigates prenatal and early-life determinants of health and disease. We conduct epidemiological analyses of human cohorts to investigate chemical (e.g. metals, endocrine disruptors, air pollution, climate change) and non-chemical stressors (e.g. adversity, discrimination) and their relationships to human health and development. We use computational and bioinformatics approaches to study epigenetic and DNA methylation biomarkers in humans. Our group also has a special interest in human aging and epigenetic biomarkers of aging.

• Read more about Andres Cardenas

Maya Mathur

Maya Mathur is an Assistant Professor at the Stanford University Quantitative Sciences Unit and the Associate Director of the Stanford Center for Open and Reproducible Science. She is a statistician whose methodological research focuses on advancing methods for meta-analysis, replication studies, and sensitivity analysis. She has received early-career and young investigator awards from the Society for Epidemiologic Research, the Society for Research Synthesis Methods, and American Statistical Association.

• Read more about Maya Mathur

SUZAN CARMICHAEL

Our team is committed to finding ways to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and equity by leading research that identifies effective leverage points for change, from upstream 'macro' social and structural factors, to downstream 'micro' clinical factors through a collaborative research approach that integrates epidemiologic approaches with community engagement and systems thinking.

Disparities are prominent in maternal and infant health, so a lot of our work is centered on equity.  Focusing on highest-risk groups will improve health for everyone.

• Read more about SUZAN CARMICHAEL

Julie Parsonnet

I am an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist    OUr lab is well know internationally in two major areas:  1.  The role of infections in chronic diseases and 2.  Physiologic changes in humans over time, specifically the decrease in human body temperature.  3. Novel surveillance projects, especially serosurveys done through the mail and  the use of wastewater to track infections.  Right now, projects that could integrate a post-doctoral fellow include:  In addition, my research group works on gun violence prevention.  

• Read more about Julie Parsonnet

Thomas Robinson

Stanford Solutions Science Lab.

• Read more about Thomas Robinson

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Community Health and Prevention Research (CHPR)

Master of Science

The CHPR program includes students from diverse stages of life, such as Adrienne Lazaro, shown above with her daughter during Commencement 2018. Lazaro, as an alum, continues her connection with CHPR by serving on its Advisory Board and Admissions Committee.

The diversity of the CHPR program and student body is highlighted in the Department of Medicine's 2021 Annual Report, Meeting the Moment .

CHPR’s home is within the Stanford Prevention Research Center, which values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging ( DEIB ).

The CHPR program recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The CHPR program welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

External Applicants (Global)

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are closed. See the  External Applicants page  for more information.

Current Stanford Fellows on a MCHRI or T-32 grant please contact  TO Preising  for information on how to apply.

Coterminal Applicants (Stanford)

Applications for the 2024-2025 are closed. See the  Coterminal Applicants page  for more information.

Current Graduate and Professional Student Applicants (Stanford)

Students pursuing a PhD at Stanford are eligible to count up to 45 units from the CHPR Master’s degree towards the PhD requirements (135 residency units). See the  Stanford Bulletin  for more information.

Current Stanford graduate and professional schools students may apply to the program on a rolling admissions basis.

See the  Stanford Graduate Student Applicants page  for more information.

About the program

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Community Health and Prevention Research (CHPR) consists of a minimum of 45 units and is designed for students pursuing health-related careers focusing on chronic disease prevention, health and wellness promotion, and the pursuit of health equity. Most students complete the program in one academic year, from Autumn through Summer quarter.

The growing and increasingly recognized and valued fields of community health and prevention research are concerned with expanding and enhancing disease prevention and control efforts in communities at local, state, national, and international levels. The Stanford Prevention Research Center (SPRC), a world-renowned research center founded in 1972, recognizes that community health and prevention research play an increasingly vital role within the field of medicine, the study of global health, and population-level efforts to prevent and reduce chronic diseases. The purpose of this program is to:

• Engage students from a range of backgrounds in didactic and experiential learning opportunities with the goal of gaining an in-depth understanding of community health and prevention research applications in diverse practice settings
• Prepare future public health professionals to responsibly and effectively address health challenges faced by diverse communities across the life course.

Why Complete a Master of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research?

Students who complete the Master of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research will:

• Study patterns of chronic diseases in diverse communities and settings and examine how prevention can optimize health and promote health equity at the individual, family, community, and population level
• Critically interpret and evaluate research on community health and prevention
• Become involved in research teams that encourage health equity promotion and social responsibility
• Gain and hone methodological skills including research study design, study implementation, and data analysis related to community health and prevention research
• Utilize translational research and applied science in a community-based research internship with the expectation that they design, implement, and assess health and wellness solutions addressing preventable community health challenges
• Complete a master’s thesis.

What is CHPR?

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Community Health and Prevention Research (CHPR) consists of a  minimum of 45 units  and is designed for students pursuing health-related careers focusing on chronic disease prevention, health and wellness promotion, and the pursuit of health equity.

Master of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research (CHPR)

• Message From the Director
• Program Requirements
• External Applicants
• Coterminal Applicants
• Current Stanford Graduate Students
• Current CHPR Master's Students
• Faculty, Mentors, and Staff
• Curriculum and Subplan Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

public health

MD-MPH Program

Pursuing an mph.

Although Stanford does not offer an on-site Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, Stanford strongly encourages students to consider graduate-level training in public health as a complement to their medical education.

Most MPH programs require that students select an area of specialization.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Health Policy
• Community Health
• Environmental Health
• Maternal & Child Health
• Infectious Disease
• Public Health Nutrition
• Global Health

Often students who want to pursue an MPH during their medical education take a year off after completion of their 1st year of clinical rotations and enroll in MPH programs geared specifically towards students who have earned or are concurrently enrolled in professional degree programs.  Many Stanford medical students have chosen this option at  UC Berkeley ,  UC Davis ,  Harvard ,  UCLA , University of Washington ,  Johns Hopkins ,  Columbia , and other schools of public health. 

Students may also pursue an MPH after graduating from medical school, as part of a training fellowship or as a sabbatical later in their careers. 

Is an MD/MPH dual degree right for you?

Where do medicine and public health intersect? How can a dual degree enrich and leverage your training and career? Is an MD/MPH right for you? Is now the time to pursue another degree?

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA)  MD MPH resource guide  can help answer these and other related questions.  And the Association of Schools of Public Health   also offers resources for prospective students, including information on careers in public health.

Population Health Sciences

In this guide, population health at stanford.

• Databases, Journals, & Books
• Resources by Topic
• Data Resources
• Research Tools

Using this Guide

Welcome to the subject guide for Population Health Sciences. On this page, you'll find links to commonly used links, resources, and tools. If you have questions or comments about this page or would like to see something added, please contact the department's liaison librarian.

• Center for Population Health Sciences Founded in 2015, the Center’s mission is to improve the health of populations by bringing together diverse disciplines and data to understand and address social, environmental, behavioral, and biological factors on both a domestic and global scale.
• Population Health Sciences Data Center The Data Core at the Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences offers researchers a central hub to efficiently access, link, visualize and analyze data from a wide variety of sources; as well as a library of data assets to facilitate transdisciplinary population health science projects and collaboration.
• Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Epidemiology is the study of factors that cause illness and impairment in human populations. It is the cornerstone of population health and clinical research, informing policy, prevention, disease treatment, and understanding of disease mechanisms. The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health (E&PH) is Stanford’s academic and organizational home for such activities, offering expertise, research, and training on study design, data collection, analysis and proper interpretation of scientific evidence to improve human health in the clinic and in the field.

Other Population Health Centers

• Harvard Medical School Department of Population Medicine
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Population Health Information Technology
• Northwestern Feinberg School Center for Epidemiology & Population Health
• NYU Department of Population Health
• Thomas Jefferson University College of Population Health
• University of California, Berkeley Bixby Center for Population, Health & Sustainability
• UCLA Fielding School of Public Health Public Data
• University of Minnesota Population Center
• University of Washington Population Health Initiative
• Next: Databases, Journals, & Books >>
• Last Updated: Apr 24, 2024 1:49 PM
• URL: https://laneguides.stanford.edu/population-health

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Programs in engagement, program for disease ecology, health, and the environment.

The Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment focuses on finding sustainable environmental interventions, or “ecological solutions,” for a range of diseases. It brings together scientists and stakeholders from Stanford and outside the university in a joint initiative combining forces from two preeminent Stanford centers: the Woods Institute for the Environment and the Center for Innovation in Global Health.

Executive Summary

Scientists are discovering new links between human health and the health of the natural environment. At Stanford, researchers are studying these connections and pioneering ecological solutions to disease. The Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment works with experts in public health, ecology, engineering, computer science, medicine and the social sciences to find sustainable environmental interventions for a range of diseases.

It expands on an initial keystone project called the  Upstream Alliance  (link is external) , a multi-institution initiative seeking environmental interventions to curb the spread of  schistosomiasis , a waterborne parasitic disease affecting about 250 million people. Results from a demonstration project in Senegal show that the team’s reintroduction of native prawns at river access points led to fewer disease-carrying snails and reduced transmission of schistosome parasites to people.

The Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment is a joint initiative between the Center for Innovation in Global Health and Woods Institute for the Environment.

Background on the Program

Stanford established the Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment in 2015 to support research and creative solutions to modern health and environmental challenges.

The program focuses on finding sustainable environmental interventions, or “ecological solutions,” for a range of diseases. It brings together scientists and stakeholders from Stanford and outside the university in a joint initiative combining forces from two preeminent Stanford centers: the Woods Institute for the Environment and the Center for Innovation in Global Health.

The program is led by  Giulio De Leo , a biology professor at Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station and a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute, and  Susanne Sokolow , a research associate at Hopkins Marine Station.

The team received early funding for its Senegal work from the Stanford Woods Institute’s  Environmental Venture Projects  seed grant program ( read about the project ). The program received initial funding from the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies .

How to Get Involved

Join us in developing sustainable ecological solutions to protect the health of people and our planet.

More Information Here: ecohealthsolutions.stanford.edu

HRP-PHD - Health Policy (PhD)

Program overview.

Graduate Degrees summarizes university requirements for the PhD degree.

Health Policy investigates how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect the accessibility, quality, and cost of health care and, ultimately, our health and well-being. Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program that promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. The curriculum offers courses across a wide range of health policy areas, including health economics, health insurance and government program operation, health financing, international health policy and economic development, cost-effectiveness analysis and the evaluation of new technologies, health law and ethics, health systems operations, relevant statistical and methodological approaches, and health policy issues related to public health concerns like obesity and chronic disease.

See the program’s website for additional program information, including (but not limited to) program and course requirements, faculty lists, admissions information, requirements, and deadlines. Address inquiries to the Health Policy Admissions Team at [email protected] .

Applications to the program must be submitted through the Stanford Graduate Admissions website by clicking Apply Now.

Public Health

Our health is inextricably linked to the environment.

The Stanford Woods Institute brings together world-class experts in medicine, engineering, ecology and other disciplines to solve complex challenges at the intersections of human health and the environment. The institute’s Program on Water, Health & Development identifies ways to improve and increase the sustainability of water supply and sanitation service delivery, while also enhancing capacity for sustainable water and wastewater management in developing countries. The Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment works with experts in public health, ecology, engineering, computer science, medicine and the social sciences to find sustainable environmental interventions for a range of diseases. We also work with the Center for Innovation in Global Health to support Stanford's focus on human and planetary health.

Related publications

Stanford University

Stanford Health Policy is a joint effort of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and the Stanford School of Medicine

PhD in Health Policy

Accepting Applications

September 01, 2015 - December 07, 2015

Stanford Health Policy, through the Department of Health Research and Policy at the Stanford University School of Medicine, offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. The curriculum offers courses across a wide range of health policy areas including health economics, health insurance and government program operation, health financing, international health policy and economic development, cost-effectiveness analysis and the evaluation of new technologies, relevant statistical and methodological approaches, and health policy issues related to public health concerns like obesity and chronic disease. In addition to taking a set of core courses, students are expected to complete coursework in one of two tracks:

• Health Economics - including the economic behavior of individuals, providers, insurers, and governments and how their actions affect health and medical care, or
• Decision Sciences - with quantitative techniques to assess the effectiveness and value of medical treatments and for decision making about medical care at the individual and/or collective level.

For more information or to apply , visit http://med.stanford.edu/hsr/grad_programs/phd.html.

Fellowship Coordinator

Stanford Journal of Public Health

About the Journal

The Stanford Journal of Public Health (SJPH) is an annual, student-led publication centered at Stanford University dedicated to connecting different players in the public health community — inviting undergraduate students, graduate scholars, and distinguished experts — to discuss central conversations revolving around public health. The Journal features a multi-faceted approach to public health issues and is divided into three sections:  Exploration and Innovation, Governance,  and  Reflections.  We seek to provide those at Stanford and at other peer universities to engage in these discussions and introduce new research by contributing to the Journal. The Journal offers interested individuals the opportunity for tangible contributions to the public health sector and simultaneously raises awareness of relevant critical issues in public health.

** Our 2022-23 Issue is currently accepting submissions and will be published in the coming months. ** 

•  Exploration and Innovation : showcases cutting-edge research on current public health issues and outcomes; spotlights potential tools for public health enhancement and profiles practice-based approaches to public health.

•  Governance : introduces potential and current systemic policy-based public health approaches

•  Reflections : a space for personal narratives and experiences related to public health journeys and stories.

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PhD in Population Health Sciences

Prepare for a high-impact career tackling public health problems from air pollution to obesity to global health equity to the social determinants of health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a multidisciplinary research degree that will prepare you for a career focused on challenges and solutions that affect the lives of millions around the globe. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and conducting field and/or laboratory research projects of your own design, you will gain the deep expertise and powerful analytical and quantitative tools needed to tackle a wide range of complex, large-scale public health problems.

Focusing on one of five complementary fields of study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and drawing on courses, resources, and faculty from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you will become well-versed in a wide variety of disciplines while gaining specialized knowledge in your chosen area of study.

As a population health sciences graduate, you will be prepared for a career in research, academics, or practice, tackling complex diseases and health problems that affect entire populations. Those interested in pursuing research may go on to work at a government agency or international organization, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm. Others may choose to pursue practice or on-the-ground interventions. Those interested in academics may become a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health.

The PhD in population health sciences is a four-year program based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the world-renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. The degree will prepare you to apply diverse approaches to solving difficult public health research issues in your choice of one of five primary fields of study:

• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Global health and population

In your first semester, you and your faculty adviser will design a degree plan to guide you through the program’s interdisciplinary requirements and core courses, as well as those in your chosen field of study. After successfully completing the preliminary qualifying examination, usually at the end of your second year, you will finalize your general research topics and identify a dissertation adviser who will mentor you through the dissertation process and help you nominate a dissertation advisory committee.

All population health sciences students are trained in pedagogy and teaching and are required to work as a teaching fellow and/or research assistant to ensure they gain meaningful teaching and research experience before graduation. Students also attend a special weekly evening seminar that features prominent lecturers, grant-writing modules, feedback dinners, and training opportunities.

All students, including international students, who maintain satisfactory progress (B+ or above) receive a multiyear funding package, which includes tuition, fees , and a competitive stipend.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone with a distinguished undergraduate record and a demonstrated enthusiasm for the rigorous pursuit of scientific public health knowledge is encouraged to apply. Although a previous graduate degree is not required, applicants should have successfully completed coursework in introductory statistics or quantitative methods. Preference will be given to applicants who have either some relevant work experience or graduate-level work in their desired primary field of study.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in population health sciences is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system located at gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD in population health sciences candidate, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and to share ideas both inside and outside the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program for any successful candidate. The program in population health sciences provides these opportunities by sponsoring an informal curriculum of seminars, a dedicated student gathering and study area, and events that will enhance your knowledge, foster interaction with your peers, and encourage you to cooperatively evaluate scientific literature, while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree.

As members of both the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences communities, students have access to the Cambridge and Longwood Medical Area campuses. Students also qualify for affordable transportation options, access to numerous lectures and academic seminars, and a wealth of services to support their academic and personal needs on both sides of the Charles River.

LEARN MORE Population Health Sciences Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health www.hsph.harvard.edu/phdphs

5 Public Health Courses Premeds Should Take

Epidemiology and health policy are among courses that can help help aspiring medical students become physician leaders.

Premeds Take 5 Public Health Courses

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Studying health policy helps future doctors understand policies at local, national, and international levels, and teaches them to advocate for their patients.

As a premedical student, you can take public health courses that will allow you to better understand health at a population level. An understanding of public health can help you become a physician leader in the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the importance of public health . While not perfect, our local and national public health infrastructure allowed the public to understand the severity of the COVID-19 disease as well as create measures to protect the health of our communities.

While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public health, there are other diseases where doctors are called upon to promote population-level changes while taking care of patients.

Doctors serve as leaders in their communities by providing medical expertise and advocating for public health initiatives. They can translate their insights from patient care to create hospitalwide and communitywide policies to protect other individuals, and doctors who are trained in epidemiology and community health can study the transmission of the diseases. They can also spearhead community public health initiatives, including health education campaigns and community clinics, to expand access to medical care.

Dr. Rishi Mediratta graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland with a bachelor’s in public health studies. That degree gave him a foundational understanding of global health issues, public health theories and statistics that enabled him to conduct research and create community health programs in Ethiopia focused on combatting child mortality.

"Throughout college and during my first gap year before medical school, I founded the Ethiopian Orphan Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provided community-based health care and education to 91 orphans near Gondar, Ethiopia," he says.

"I integrated lessons that I learned from my classes in epidemiology and public health to partner with community members to help orphaned children. For instance, I saw how Ethiopians bonded during traditional coffee ceremonies. I used coffee ceremonies to create a dialogue with the community about stigmatized child health topics.”

Mediratta then pursued a master’s of science in public health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as a British Marshall Scholar.

“Further public health studies showed me the various stakeholders involved in creating global health policies for newborns and children. I learned how health policies were created based on synergies from multiple perspectives. These insights were instrumental when I worked with policymakers at the World Bank and World Health Organization.”

Mediratta received his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, where he continued to spearhead initiatives to improve population health, primary care and global health. Now he is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford medical school and a faculty fellow at the Center for Innovation in Global Health.

These public health classes and topics will be helpful for premedic students :

• Biostatistics • Epidemiology • Health equity • Health policy • Community health and community-based classes

Biostatistics

Biostatistics is the application of statistics to life sciences, including public health. In a biostatics class, premeds learn quantitative and qualitative data collection methods as well as when to use different types of statistical analyses.

Premed students who take biostatistics will be able to better understand the role of evidence in public health research, policy and clinical practice, critically evaluate medical literature and tailor their treatment plans for patients based on rigorous scientific evidence, Mediratta says.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of diseases or disorders within groups of people and ways to prevent or control them. Premed students who take an epidemiology course will be able to understand the causes, prevalence and distribution of a disease in the community. Doctors who understand the epidemiology of a disease can help make informed decisions about prevention and treatment for their patients.

“Knowing epidemiology allows me to appreciate nuances in the distribution of clinical symptoms, risk factors, and diseases in populations," Mediratta says. "For example, I learned how newborns in low- and middle-income countries die from prematurity, complications from birth and sepsis. I developed and validated a Neonatal Mortality Score that predicts which newborns are likely to die when they are admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Ethiopia. I hope that one day, health care providers can use our research to more quickly identify newborns who are at risk of dying and provide them with monitoring and interventions that save their lives.”

Health Equity

Health equity courses teach premedical students about health care disparities – which vary by income, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability status – and inequities within populations. These courses also give students ways to advocate for disadvantaged individuals and populations.

Premedical students can take a general health equity class or seminars focused on specific populations or health systems that incorporate health equity. “Doctors who are knowledgeable about health care disparities can advocate for equitable access to health care services," Mediratta says. "Through research, advocacy and community involvement, physicians can address the social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities.”

Health Policy

In a health policy class, premeds will learn about health care systems and the stakeholders influencing health care policies. Studying health policy helps future doctors understand policies at local, national, and international levels, and teaches them to advocate for their patients by supporting policies that promote better access to quality health care and decrease health care disparities.

Reflecting on his clinical practice, Mediratta says, “understanding the factors that influence health policies has allowed me to help my patients navigate our complex health care system, such as connecting patients to services covered by their medical insurance or accessing transportation services to and from hospitals.”

Community Health and Community-Based Classes

A community health course explores the multifaceted factors influencing health outcomes, including social determinants of health and environmental factors, and also examines public health interventions. Some courses include an experiential learning component so students can conduct projects that address community health needs.

Mediratta, for instance, taught an elective at Stanford University that allowed students to collaborate with community partners to creatively implement projects that address COVID-19-related challenges.

"One student produced a children’s book that combatted vaccine hesitancy and created read-aloud videos of the book. Even after the class ended, the student organized workshops in elementary schools to educate children about vaccine. Our class serves as a model for how universities can implement medical service-learning courses to empower students while simultaneously addressing the community’s needs.”

Taking public health courses during your premedical career will give you strong foundational knowledge to be a health care leader. As a doctor, you will be able to help your patients navigate through the challenges of health care systems, participate in policymaking that affects millions of individuals, and direct research projects that advance the health of our communities.

Medical School Application Mistakes

Tags: medical school , public health , graduate schools , education , students

About Medical School Admissions Doctor

Need a guide through the murky medical school admissions process? Medical School Admissions Doctor offers a roundup of expert and student voices in the field to guide prospective students in their pursuit of a medical education. The blog is currently authored by Dr. Ali Loftizadeh, Dr. Azadeh Salek and Zach Grimmett at Admissions Helpers , a provider of medical school application services; Dr. Renee Marinelli at MedSchoolCoach , a premed and med school admissions consultancy; Dr. Rachel Rizal, co-founder and CEO of the Cracking Med School Admissions consultancy; Dr. Cassie Kosarec at Varsity Tutors , an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report; Dr. Kathleen Franco, a med school emeritus professor and psychiatrist; and Liana Meffert, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and a writer for Admissions Helpers. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Stanford Center for Digital Health Pilot Grants (2024 -2025)

At the Stanford Center for Digital Health (CDH), we catalyze innovative, scientifically rigorous, and ethically responsible research to promote better health worldwide.

In 2023, we announced the launch of the Stanford Center for Digital Health Pilot Grants. To learn more about the research we have funded, visit: https://cdh.stanford.edu/research/2023-pilot-research-grants

We are excited to announce the next cycle of our pilot grant program. We expect to award one-year grants of $50,000 each. Collaborative projects that bring together investigators from across different disciplines are highly encouraged. We encourage applicants to utilize a multi-PI approach where at least two of the lead investigators are from different departments or schools at Stanford.

Priority Areas Although we will consider applications across all areas related to digital health broadly defined, we are especially interested in proposals related to the following research areas:

1) Ethical and responsible use of AI in health 2) Digital solutions for healthy aging, cognition, and longevity 3) Understanding the positive and/or negative impact of digital tools and services on health and wellbeing

Submission Guidelines Proposals are due by August 1, 2024, at 11:59pm PDT. Award recipients will be notified in early October. Please submit using the Apply button below.

The proposal (1 page max, excluding references, PDF, single-spaced, Arial 11 point, 0.5 inch margins) should include the following components: ● Problem or gap in the literature ● Preliminary data ● Specific aims ● 3 key project milestones and expected completion dates ● Budget (direct costs $50,000) and budget justification ● Team (faculty, postdocs, staff, and/or students as appropriate) ● Highlight any meaningful collaborations underpinning this research

References (no max or min limits, at the end of the PDF file, not included in page limit)

Selection Criteria Proposals will be reviewed based on innovation, feasibility and alignment with the CDH mission and research focus areas listed above, and the likelihood the project will have a near term positive impact on health. We encourage proposals related to reducing health disparities. We encourage applicants to utilize a multi-PI approach where at least two of the lead investigators are from different departments or schools at Stanford.

Key Dates ● Application deadline: August 1, 2024 ● Awardees will be notified in early October and will be invited to accept their awards at the CDH Annual Symposium on October 29, 2024 ● Award start date: November 1, 2024

• Stanford faculty with UTL, MCL, NTLR and CE faculty* appointments
• Instructors and Clinical Instructors are also eligible
• Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars (clinical and non-clinical) are required to include a PI eligible faculty member as co-PI on the application.         *CE faculty PI waivers are not needed for internal funding opportunities.

Awardees will be asked to present at the Stanford Center for Digital Health Annual Symposium, and are expected to attend at least 2 events a year, e.g. Digital Health Leaders Lunches and bi-annual grant writing retreats. Recipients will be asked to provide a mid-year and final report of research results, usage of funds, a list of publications, new grant applications, and conference talks emerging from these pilot funds.

Proposals may request up to $50,000 over 1 year. Funds may be used for salary of faculty, graduate students, and other research staff, operating supplies, equipment, and travel directly associated with the research activity. 

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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Key searches, 2024 master of public health graduates share their education highlights and career aspirations.

(Photo/Pexels)

Year after year, graduates from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences go on to powerfully impact health and health outcomes in their own neighborhoods, in California, and around the globe. Meet just a few of the 2024 Master of Public Health graduates poised to continue this tradition.

Mehaly Bekele, MPH

Mph concentration: biostatistics-epidemiology bs health promotion & disease prevention, minor in healthcare studies.

“Engaging in research projects and collaborative work in this program with faculty and fellow students was incredibly enriching,” shares Mehaly Bekele, a first-generation college graduate in the progressive degree program. Bekele’s interest in the field of public health stems from her desire to mitigate health disparities within underserved communities. During her time at USC, Bekele served as an EH MATTERS fellow, where she contributed to the Inland Empire Children’s Respiratory Health Study, investigating environmental and social factors influencing children’s respiratory well-being in the San Bernardino and Riverside area. “Engaging with community members during this study was enlightening,” she reveals. “Their enthusiastic advocacy and participation in this study made our work deeply gratifying. My goal is to engage in comprehensive work that not only addresses healthcare frameworks but also delves into the broader context of social determinants of health. I am committed to bridging the gap for communities that feel marginalized and unheard within our current framework, ensuring that their voices and concerns are central to public health initiatives. I aspire to conduct community-driven epidemiological research aimed at developing tailored solutions to combat health disparities prevalent in these communities.”

Mia Chakroun, MPH

Mph concentration: global health.

“Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, languages, and how they relate to health,” expresses progressive degree student Mia Chakroun.  “When I discovered public health and learned about its multidisciplinary approach to improving the well-being of communities, I knew it was the field I wanted to pursue. During her time at USC, Chakroun worked on a tobacco control project, where she gained hands-on research experience. “Seeing how our work directly influenced the California Department of Public Health made me realize the significant impact one can have in this field.”

Chakroun completed her practicum experience at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI). “This experience was an integral and transformative part of my degree, putting my knowledge and skills into practice while benefiting from the guidance of experienced professionals who helped shape my career aspirations,” she explains. “Working with the dedicated evaluation and improvement team was a particularly rewarding and meaningful experience. For my capstone project, I collaborated with SC CTSI’s community engagement team— the insights, abilities, and connections I gained have been invaluable and will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors.” After Graduation, Chakroun intends to work in the non-profit sector, government, or in a role focused on community engagement.

Megan Enciso, MPH

Mph concentration: community health promotion.

“My interest in public health was driven by my desire to help underserved and marginalized communities,” shares Megan Enciso. “I enjoy identifying resources and information using social determinants of health to make effective interventions or approaches.” “My most impactful education experience at USC was learning about concepts of program design and evaluation. They helped me develop better research skills and I learned the step-by-step process of creating and implementing a public health program.” Aligned with Enciso’s community health interest, her favorite course in this program was ‘Organizing and Mobilizing Communities for Public Health’, due to its focus on community-based activities away from a traditional classroom environment. Another highlight featured a field trip in the ‘Public Health Disaster Management and Response’  course, where students visited the Los Angeles Fire Department and toured the emergency operations center.

Enciso completed her practicum requirement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). “The highlight of my practicum was interacting with different families at CHLA! I learned how to use RedCap and developed my community engagement skills,” she says.  After graduation, Enciso plans to apply her public health and communication skills to provide more services to underserved communities.

Aaron Lee, MPH

Mph concentration: biostatistics-epidemiology.

“My passion for public health emerged during my time at the non-profit organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of mentorship on young children,” reveals Aaron Lee. “My enduring interest in population-based interventions is rooted in my aspiration to effect positive change within my community. My fascination with epidemiology stems from my curiosity about disease etiology and the varying health outcomes resulting from diverse exposure statuses within socioeconomically disparate communities.” Lee completed his practicum requirement at the Pasadena Department of Public Health. He conducted an outbreak investigation of a locally acquired dengue case. “Having gained valuable insights into epidemiological principles at USC, I honed my skills in identifying potential mosquito breeding sites in front- and backyards of households,” he shares. “Furthermore, I enhanced my proficiency in contact tracing through thorough interviews with residents to ascertain their exposure and travel history.”

Lee served as the President of the Master of Public Health Student Association (MaPHSA) from 2023-2024. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree in epidemiology.

Christina Longmire, MPH

“My passion for public health was fueled during my undergraduate studies, where I majored in Global Health,” shares progressive degree student Christina Longmire. “This educational journey broadened my perspective on global challenges and deepened my interest in the field. One particularly enlightening course was ‘Health Behavior Statistical Methods’, where I was captivated by the intersection between public health and statistics, steering me towards a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. Through this graduate program, I found a special interest in maternal health and nutrition. I am eager to use data-driven approaches to improve the health and well-being of these individuals.”

Longmire completed her practicum experience at the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “One of my most impactful educational experiences was my practicum where I looked at the transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child. This opportunity deepened my interest in maternal health and inspired my passion to pursue research as a future career,” she shares. “I also gained proficiency in a range of advanced laboratory techniques, acquiring invaluable skills along the way that I know I will be able to use in my career. These included nucleic acid sequence extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR data analysis, nanopore sequencing, and utilizing a Qubit fluorometer, to name a few.”

After graduation, Longmire intends to explore Europe, and after aspires to embark on a career as a research scientist.

Learn more about how the Keck School of Medicine is celebrating the Class of 2024 .

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