Online Distance Learning Forum

Posted by fran @ 11/14/2005 01:36:00 PM  

I think public health officials have a lot to do with government administration in health. So stuff with the avian bird flu concerns is being spearheaded by public health officials, who have been speaking out about concerns if the strain were to dramatically alter itself to more easily infect humans. Speaking of bird flu, that's just scary stuff if that virus (I think it's a virus) mutates suddenly.
 

I am trying not to think about avian flu until I have to, James. I’m still reeling from mad cow disease (well, not literally). You’re right about the type of duties undertaken by public health officials though.

Working in public health is as much about policy and statistics as it is about clinical medicine. Professionals from many different areas undertake online masters degrees in public health, ranging from nurses to business managers, as experts in both areas are essential to provide an efficient public health service.

When a scare such as avian flu arrives, there needs to be mediation between the people in the white coats and the panicking public. When catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina occur, there have to be level-headed people to make the right decisions in the wake of chaos.

Right now, with the onset of the new medicare drug benefits, there are many senior citizens who might be turning to public health officials for some help in deciphering the paperwork.

Public health officials are becoming ever more essential and relevant, and an online public health degree can only be a smart - and a truly worthwhile move.
 

I definitely think education is the key to stopping widespread hysteria. Sometimes the public panic is worse than the actual epidemic. Regardless of whether or not we all get public health degrees, I think it would definitely be worthwhile to at least listen to and get information from those with public health degrees.
 

You're right Chilena.
Public health careers are on the up right now, and with good reason. There is a great deal of room for public health intermediaries - people working to get the right information to the public about public health, and feeding information back to the right medical personnel. Public health degrees are vital to this end, as medical professionals are not always the best people to convey medical information - anyone who has ever experienced their so-called bedside manner would vouch for this!
Modern medicine means many of us are living longer, and with a better quality of life. Public health professionals work to ensure we receive the best service during that life - we hope!