This reflection discusses the significance of the History of Public Health course, how it extended the author's existing knowledge, and how the lessons learned will inform their future practice as a public health professional.
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REFLECTION2 Reflection Introduction History of Public Health is one of the most significant courses I have undertaken this semester. As a student of public health, I should be all-round because I need to know everything about my area of specialization ranging from its history, growth, development, transformations, emerging issues as well as the challenges that are faced in the public health sector both within and out of my country. This course, therefore, served its purpose well because it gave me an opportunity to learn a lot of new information on topics like history, principles, essence, and challenges in public health as well as other public health-related concepts such as Evidence- Based Research (EBR), health equality and equity, community engagement, community empowerment, public health research, public health ethics, just t mention, but a few. Each of these ideas was of great significance because they will improve my understanding and prepare me to be public health professional of repute. How the Course Extended My Existing Knowledge I must thank the management of this institution from introducing this course and making it as one of the core units during this semester. I must acknowledge that it was a bright idea because he course has been making positive contributions on the students who pursue it. since I dedicated my time to attend lectures, take notes, make notes, engaged in group discussions, conducted further research, and did assignments, I say with no fear of contradiction that this course will leave an indelible mark on my mind. It was indeed worthwhile because it boosted my understanding on public health in many ways.
REFLECTION3 First and foremost, it enabled me to have a sound knowledge of the history of public health. Initially, I did not know that public health is a discipline that has a long history. I was also not aware of the founders of the discipline, what motivated them and how hard they worked to transform public health into a fully-fledged discipline(Baum, 2016). However, now, I know thanks to the course. I am proud to say that now; I know that public health has a long history I also know that it has taken a lot of commitments and dedication for it to be what it is today. The pioneer public health scholars worked so hard because they knew that the discipline would be of great contribution in the society(Rosen, 2015). That is why, over the years, several improvements were made to ensure that public health is refined improved to ensure that is becomes a discipline that can be relied upon to address issues of public health concern in the society. Knowledge on the history of public health is indeed important to me because it can make me to be an informed student who has knowledge of the past and present. Apart from the history of public health, the course equipped me with the knowledge I need to know about the reasons why we need it in our society today. I learnt that public health is an essential discipline that the country cannot do without because it occupies a special position that nothing else can replace(Aschengrau & Seage, 2013). Through this course, I got to learn that, among the roles of public health include protecting the public from health hazards, preparing and responding to health-related emergencies; curtailing the spread of communicable diseases; promoting healthy behaviors; assuring the availability of public health infrastructure; and formulation and implementation of public health policies(Bartkowiak-Théron & Asquith, 2017). That is a clear proof that show that public health is an important course because without it, the students might not know about all these. However, now, I know why I should spend my time studying the course. However, the good thing is that he course did not only inform me on its
REFLECTION4 contributions, but also on its principles, scope, approaches as well other essential competencies and concepts like EBP, research, and all the ethical principles pertaining to public health practice. How the Lessons from the Course will inform My Future Practice and support me in meeting Relevant Competency Standards The knowledge acquired in this course will not only apply to me during my study time, but will remain relevant to me during my entire practice as a public health professional. I am saying that because the information I got on the history, principles, approaches, scope, conceptual framework, and the other competencies can prepare me to be a competent practitioner who can make positive contributions to the health status of my patients and public health in general(Tulchinsky & Varavikova, 2014). The first way through which the knowledge will help me is that it will enable me to have a deeper understanding of the concept of diseases and infections. I will apply all the skills so far acquired to participate in the promotion of healthy living behaviors and standards in the country. I will use my skills to educate the public on how to adopt healthy behaviors that cannot compromise their health in any way(Baum, 2016). Besides, I will use my skills to prepare for emergencies and adequately respond to them whenever necessary. Moreover, I will apply the skills I got from the course in the distribution of healthcare resources to different parts of the country especially to the communities that deserve it most(Brownson, Deshpande & Gillespie, 2017). My understanding on community assessment, prioritization will also enable me to actively participate in the policy formulation and implementation process as we strive to achieve the much desired health equity and equality in the nation.
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REFLECTION5 Conclusion In conclusion, the History of Public Health is an invaluable course that must be recommended to all the public health students. The course is rich in information that can be of great contribution in preparing the students to be informed professionals. It has all that one needs to know about public health. by pursing it, I got to know much on thehistory, principles, essence, and challenges in public health as well as other public health-related concepts such as Evidence-Based Research (EBR), health equality and equity, community engagement, community empowerment, public health research, and public health ethics. These concepts are of profound value because they will help me to be an ideal public health practitioner.
REFLECTION6 References Aschengrau, A., & Seage, G. R. (2013).Essentials of epidemiology in public health. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Bartkowiak-Théron, I., & Asquith, N. L. (2017). Conceptual divides and practice synergies in law enforcement and public health: Some lessons from policing vulnerability in Australia.Policing and society,27(3), 276-288. Baum, F. (2016).The new public health(No. Ed. 4). New York: Oxford University Press. Brownson, R. C., Deshpande, A. D., & Gillespie, K. N. (2017).Evidence-based public health. Oxford: Oxford university press. Rosen, G. (2015).A history of public health. Baltimore: JHU Press. Tulchinsky, T. H., & Varavikova, E. A. (2014).The new public health. Cambridge: Academic Press.