A Flexible Approach to Training Veterinarians in Public Health: An Overview and Early Assessment of the DVM/MPH Dual-Degree Program at the University of Minnesota

Abstract

As a result of the growing need for public-health veterinarians, novel educational programs are essential to train future public-health professionals. The University of Minnesota School of Public Health, in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine, initiated a dual DVM/MPH program in 2002. This program provides flexibility by combining distance learning and on-campus courses offered through a summer public-health institute. MPH requirements are completed through core courses, elective courses in a focus area, and an MPH project and field experience. Currently, more than 100 students representing 13 veterinary schools are enrolled in the program. The majority of initial program graduates have pursued public-practice careers upon completion of the program. Strengths of the Minnesota program design include accessibility and an environment to support multidisciplinary training. Continued assessment of program graduates will allow for evaluation and adjustment of the program in the coming years.

An essential need: creating opportunities for veterinary students and graduates to gain an appreciation of responsabilities and opportunities in global veterinary issues

“…The DVM-Master of Public Health (DVM-MPH) concurrent degree programmes are tailored to utilise available student time to complete the 42-45 credit hours of formal coursework required for the MPH. This is often facilitated by on-line course offerings, intensive short courses in 'summer institutes' (8) or transferring credits (Cr) from similar courses in the veterinary curriculum (or another SPH) toward the MPH degree. Field experience…”

“…There is a sense of medical drama in vaccine stockpile-creation, deployment of CDC 'Disease Cowboys' (3) and the surge in capability of CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers (4), field epidemiology training programmes, veterinary response teams and enhanced inspection systems of food for export. Close analysis of these new threats, however, soon leads back to the wisdom of readiness for all-hazard risks, natural or man-made, and the dangers of emerging or and capstone requirements (6)(7)(8) of MPH programmes accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) provide an opportunity for overseas study, enabling students to gain first-hand experience in global veterinary public health (the Association of Schools of Public Health manages several such internships and fellowships: ww.asph.org). Several avenues are available for students interested in public health to pursue international study.…”

Legal implications of zoonoses for clinical veterinarians

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] In addition, schools and colleges of veterinary medicine are key partners in several proposals for new schools of public health, and currently more than half of the schools and colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States have created dual DVM-MPH degree programs. In contrast, veterinarians are trained in comparative medicine, parasitology, and population medicine.…”