Pre-Health Public Health Advising

Formally stated, "Public health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health helps improve the health and well being of people in local communities and across our nation. Public health helps people who are less fortunate to achieve a healthier lifestyle." (www.aspph.org/discover/).

Major areas of many public health programs include epidemiology (and therefore biostatistics), health planning and management, population studies, community health, nutrition, infectious disease, and international health, but other areas are often found as well. The basic public health degree is a M.P.H., generally a result of a 1-2 year program. Those wishing to teach at schools of public health will often have a Dr. P. H.

• College Major and Required Courses - There is no specific major that is required, or that is "best" to pursue. Medical schools are looking for well-educated and well-rounded individuals. Students should complete the Pre-Med Curriculum Worksheet to be sure that they have met all requirements.
• Extracurricular activities are a very important part of the applicant's materials. Most medical schools place emphasis on volunteer community service. Some volunteer experience in a medical setting is a must. Undergraduate research is a plus.
• It is important to get to know faculty members so that they can write appropriate letters of recommendation. The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee at Alfred University can prepare a Pre-Medical Committee Letter for students.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Association of Schools of Public Health
• Health Information Privacy
• Public Health Accreditation Board
• American Public Health Association