Master of Public Health program and AHEC

Western Michigan University’s master’s degree in public health looks beyond the traditional definition of public health and seeks to encompass the ideas of physical, mental and social well-being. Core courses focus on the social, political, cultural and economic aspects of public health to demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving, program development and leadership models.

In the program’s first cohort (fall 2016), 23 students have come together from many regions of the state of Michigan. Their varying backgrounds include medicine, allied health, government and the private sector, and the range of their professional interests includes obesity, mental health, substance abuse, homelessness and vaccination policy. These same interests are reflected locally and throughout the country.

The program is also working with the Western Region Area Health Education Center to develop community-based research. “Our students are gaining experience in policy analysis, biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, program planning and evaluation,” said Dr. Vivian Valdmanis, program coordinator for the MPH program. “That experience is allowing our faculty and students to develop sustainable relationships with AHEC programs.”

Located in Grand Rapids, the program is focused on research, teaching and service and hopes to expand knowledge of population health issues that can be applied to physical, mental and social public health priorities at every level.

Valdmanis is excited about working more closely with AHEC. “We welcome relationships with all AHEC regions in the state,” she said, “and look forward to working with them to address pressing health issues in the state and beyond.”