Public Health Teaching and Research in the Academy

Abstract

Each April there are a series of events internationally, nationally, and regionally promoting Public Health. The American Public Health Association celebrates National Public Health Week the first full week in April (www. nphw.org/nphw10/home1.htm). Numerous states celebrate April as Public Health month (eg, North Carolina, Washington). Although transient, these celebrations of the importance of public health are most significant. However, these highlighting events do not adequately spotlight what else needs to be accomplished in this arena. The work of public health is a yearlong and demanding calling. The key challenges and opportunities of public health research, application, and teaching need addressing by those with whom we work, collaborate, and conduct research within and beyond the academy. Small steps of success often herald the major cliffs yet to be surmounted. For example, the passage of health care reform legislation earlier this year was heralded by some who suggest immediate impacts upon public health as a result, while others suggest this bill is flawed and incomplete in efforts to improve the health of the public. Perhaps (and unfortunately) both of these views are correct. Regardless, the major impacts of this legislation on the health care system and patients remain to be seen and may be decades away. Many challenges pertinent to public health surround us, and many solutions to dilemmas are being crafted by those in corridors and laboratories near and far. In an era when disciplinary focal distinctions are dissolving with collaborative efforts and funding agency requirements, can public health research — which by design and function is dependent upon many with varying credentials and degrees — be a major and crucial focal point for our academy? The answer is yes it can, it has been, and it will continue to be crucial.