University of Washington Department of Global Health

History and Philosophy of the Global Health MPH Program

The Global Health MPH program began in 1986 as the International Health Program (IHP) based in the departments of Health Services and Epidemiology in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine.  In 2001, Dean Patricia Wahl of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine commissioned a university-wide strategic planning committee, co-chaired by Drs. King Holmes and Stephen Gloyd, to identify opportunities and recommendations that could expand the international health presence throughout the University. The committee included students and faculty from the Schools of Medicine and Public Health and Community Medicine, as well as representatives from the Evans School of Public Affairs, the Packard-Gates Population Leadership Program, and the Department of Sociology. The committee identified a large number of global health-related activities taking place in different schools, colleges, and departments across campus, and recommended that a new department be developed to promote coordination and further development of global health activities. SPHCM Strategic Plan

In 2004 a new Global Health Advisory Committee was charged with developing plans for a new department that would be jointly situated in the schools of Medicine and Public Health and Community Medicine.  The committee recommended a wide variety of curricular, research and service options for the new department. GH Advisory Committee report [438K PDF*]

A Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) and an Executive Educational Committee (EEC) were formed to address Department of Global Health curriculum and education programs. An MPH working group is exploring different options for Masters level education in Global Health, beginning with the foundation of the existing International Health Program MPH in Health Services and Epidemiology. Current MPH degree tracks include a general Global Health track and a Peace Corps Masters International track in the department of Global Health, as well as an MPH from the department of Epidemiology and several dual degree possibilities. The different degree tracks attract students with a variety of skills and backgrounds, which provides the overall program with a rich learning environment for both students and faculty.  More MPH tracks are anticipated in the future, to meet other demands in the global public health arena.

Philosophy

The Global Health MPH program is designed for individuals who intend to devote a significant part of their careers to improving health in developing countries. Its goal is to contribute to the advancement of global health through service, teaching, and research.  A foundation of the program is its commitment to social justice and the importance of social and economic equity as determinants of health.

All tracks of the Global Health MPH focus on key social and economic determinants of population health and on developing approaches to strengthen primary health care systems of the developing world.  Courses cover basic principles of public health and help students develop the tools necessary to be successful public health professionals committed to improving access and equity in health services. The planning, management and evaluation of health care systems are integral parts of the academic program. Operations research, which aims systematically to identify effective approaches to implementing health sector interventions, is a particular focus of the research component of the program, as well as advocacy for evidence-based policy change.

At all levels the program aims to produce global health practitioners who will serve as change agents, addressing both the conditions that promote health as well as improved health services for populations. Equipped with research, practice and policy skills, graduates will be well prepared to work in such varied settings as community and public health agencies, non-governmental organizations, Ministries of Health, research institutions, and advocacy and philanthropic associations.

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