Towards a sustainable training on epidemiology and public health in Tamil Nadu, South India: a narrative review

Abstract

Aiming to improve public health, with the science of epidemiology, Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University established the department of epidemiology in February 1997 and began its two year Master's degree program in Epidemiology and Public Health. A core mission of the department is to provide high quality education in epidemiology, translate epidemiologic research findings into clinical practice, and advance epidemiology research. In order to ensure that epidemiological research and practice continue to be of high quality, we aim to establish principles, activities, and successful outcomes of graduates contributing to the reduction of disease burden in human populations through research, education, and service. The description of courses was based on internal discussions and reviewing documents. The central components of the courses were divided into input, process and outcomes. A total of 55 students were enrolled in epidemiology from 2001-2004 and 75 in public health from 2017-2024 with Faculty-to-student ratio ranging from 4 to 5. Learning methods include lectures, technology-based learning, and group and individual instruction. In the field, students spend 75% of their time in state/central government institutions, and are required to submit a field report upon completion. There are 250 publications, 200 projects, 30 abstracts and 7 chapters, graduates working under state health departments of India, ICMR institutes, and pursuing additional degrees at John Hopkins and universities of France. With our guiding principles of think big, go far, learn together, and inspire change our goal is to provide evidence of sustainable epidemiological training.