Health in Partnership and several partner organizations are hosting a one-hour webinar on October 26, 2026, at 3 p.m. (Eastern) about the role of public health in election integrity ahead of the November 3 midterms.

Organizations listed include Protect Democracy, the American Public Health Association, HealthBegins, the National Public Health Coalition, and the Health Equity Community Collaborative.

The webinar will be recorded and shared afterward, so you can register and still watch it later if you can't make it live.

https://healthinpartnership-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/oqDUQNbHQn6XSrk8IYMi9Q#/registration

Hi everyone!

I’m considering a career switch into public health and would really appreciate some honest advice from people who are studying or working in the field.

My academic background is in linguistics, and I also have some experience in the health and social care sector (UK). Over time, I’ve realised that I’ve lost interest in my original field and can no longer see myself pursuing a PhD or an academic career in linguistics. I’ve looked into related PhD opportunities, but honestly, nothing has really captured my interest anymore.

Recently, I started looking into public health, and I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the field. I know I still have a lot to learn, but there are several areas that genuinely interest me, and I like the idea of working at the intersection of health, research, and wider societal issues.

I’m wondering whether pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) could be a realistic route into that kind of career, given that I don’t have a STEM background.

For those of you who have experience in the field, I’d love to know:

\- How much of a disadvantage would a background in linguistics be when applying for MPH programmes and research positions?

\- Are there realistic opportunities to progress into research or academia after an MPH, or would I likely need further qualifications, such as a PhD?

\- Would my experience in health and social care be useful, and are there particular areas of public health where a background in linguistics could be relevant?

\- Knowing what you know now, would you recommend this route to someone making a career switch, or would you suggest exploring other options first?

I’m not expecting a master’s degree to guarantee a job, and I understand that I’m still at the early stages of exploring the field. I’m just trying to make an informed decision before committing time and money to another degree.

I’d really appreciate honest opinions, particularly from people who entered public health from a different academic background or who have experience working in research and academia.

Thank you!

Hi all! I just want a bit of insight into how an undergraduate research assistant position goes. I’m in my fourth year of undergrad right now and I just got my first undergraduate research opportunity (It seems a bit late but I am planning on gap years). I talked to the professor (this is her first year at my university) but my mentor is going to be a doctoral student under her. She’s not set up with her lab just yet so there’s no openings to work with her until most likely early next year. Not quite sure about the specific tasks I’ll be doing yet but I am meeting the doctoral student next week. She had asked if I had any type of literature review experience, so I’m assuming I’ll be doing a lot of that. What are the types of literature review that’s expected from undergrads with pretty much no research experience? It sounds like the group is basically a team of 3 right now including myself, so I am a little bit anxious. Please let me know if any of ya’ll have some good advice!

Turkey wants to ban all tobacco sales by 2040, according to Turkish press reports (article is in Turkish) — an ambitious goal for the world’s fifth-largest cigarette market, where more than 40% of men use tobacco. “End game” strategies are associated with countries like New Zealand, where smoking rates have fallen below 10%.

In a letter to the government, Action on Smoking and Health and more than 40 other groups praised several of the bill’s reported provisions, but raised concerns about one that would roll back the country’s indoor smoking ban. They’re also asking the government to release the full bill, since the proposal has only surfaced through leaks so far, and to keep the tobacco industry out of discussions.

I have two options in the Uk for MSc in Public Health - Brunel and Kings College, 11k and 20k respectively. I also prefer the course syllabus for Brunel.

Kings is obviously more prestigious, but does it matter that much for public health?

I will hold M.D diploma in the next three months

So im an Algerian img andi wanna move aboard to start my research career

Problem is i dont have any research experience so i wanna go to easy enter countries to start then move to Europe ( im talk Arabic french, german B2)

Someone tolds gulf countries under an assistant/coordinator position is the best option for u.... is that true ? And what other countries that are easy to enter?

Dont tell me start in Algeria.... Scientific reasearch is poor in Algeria u can found a professor title here with just 8-9 articles 🫠 so i need to move .... Also for a salary

“I have worked in humanitarian health in this region for decades and helped lead responses to several Ebola outbreaks. I have never seen one get this far ahead of us,” Heather Kerry, the country director of the International Rescue Committee in the Democratic Republic of Congo, writes in a guest essay for Times Opinion. More than 140 days after the outbreak was declared, the threat is still spreading, and much of it is happening outside of what is being tracked.

Controlling the outbreak has been made significantly harder by U.S. government funding to surveillance, preparedness and treatment drying up in 2025. “Budget reductions forced my organization, the International Rescue Committee, to cut funding to the health facilities focused on primary care in Ituri Province, where this outbreak began,” Heather says. At the same time, however, “the challenge is not only a lack of resources. It is also a lack of trust.”

Heather continues:

Decades of violent conflict, corruption and institutional neglect have fueled public distrust of health care providers, international actors and government institutions. Rumors that the Ebola outbreak is a hoax or was fabricated by humanitarians seeking to make money are widespread. My colleagues working on community outreach in Bunia told me that a mother did not take her children to a clinic to be checked for Ebola when they had a fever because she believed the Ebola response was a moneymaking scheme.

In some cases, that distrust has turned violent. At least a dozen health facilities have been attacked during this outbreak. In July, a health center was stormed by an armed group who threw stones at the center. Several Ebola patients fled. When I visited a few weeks after the attack, International Rescue Committee colleagues and health workers recounted hiding during the attack. Several told me that their main worry was their families, whom they could not reach until they got out.

More broadly, distrust has made it harder for health workers to track the virus. Contact tracing, a key tool in slowing the spread of the virus, has improved significantly, although it’s still short of what’s needed. The bigger problem is that most people who have contracted Ebola in this outbreak were never on a contact list in the first place. Just over a third of confirmed cases so far were known contacts of people infected; the rest emerged outside any known chains of transmission. Health workers told me that this is in large part because many people who think they have Ebola are choosing to stay home.

Read the full piece here, even if you’re not a Times subscriber.

Based in Scotland. Not sure if its just me, but does it feel like the job market for Health Improvement jobs is so competitive that you can't get an interview for a job that you're qualified for?

I applied for a band 6 health improvement post in Public Health Scotland (which is a side step - I have 3 years experience as a band 6 in NHS health board). I worked really hard on my application and got a friend who works in Public Health Scotland to review and give pointers. When I told them I didn't get an interview they said that they thought I would have and also said that last time a similar post came up around 160 applied.

Makes me wonder what kind of magic words I need to put into my application to get through shortlisting. Anyone have similar experience or any pointers to get shortlisted in a very competitive job market?

Please check the individual sites for details. I might have messed up in the copy/paste along the way, though I checked. 😄

All times Eastern.

• Oct 16, 8am–1pm | PHILA2026: cardiometabolic prevention. Online; $50 general. Register by Oct 14. https://upenn.cloud-cme.com/PHILA2026
• Oct 16, 2pm | APHA: inclusive emergency planning. Online; sign-language interpreting. https://apha.zoom.us/meeting/register/24O0EIu9QoqJtXZ32enzUA
• Oct 19, 1–2pm | RSV prevention in children. Online; sponsored by Sanofi. https://societycentral.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ViBAKuikSiui1pjQcKnqzw
• Oct 19, 2–3pm | Microplastics and participatory science. Online. https://prcceh.upenn.edu/event/whats-in-our-water-a-participatory-science-toolkit-and-behavioral-intervention-to-reduce-health-risks-of-chronic-microplastic-exposure/
• Oct 20, 9–11:15am & 12:30–2pm | Bloomberg American Health Summit public livestream. In person: invitation-only. https://americanhealth.jhu.edu/2026-bloomberg-american-health-summit
• Oct 20, 6–7:30pm | Vaccines This Winter. Free, online. Disclosure: I work at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. https://collegeofphysicians.org/events/vaccines-winter-making-sense-science-and-policy/?trk=public_post_reshare-text
• Oct 21, 2–3pm | Ira Flatow, Drexel Population Health Spotlight. Online. https://drexel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hvI94pKpSiaWOGSclkll9g
• Oct 22, 4:30–6pm | FDA accelerated approval reform. Hybrid, Philadelphia. https://ldi.upenn.edu/events/the-unfinished-business-of-reforming-the-fdas-accelerated-approval-pathway/
• Oct 23, noon–1pm | GLP-1 access and affordability. Online. https://ldi.upenn.edu/events/access-and-affordability-in-the-age-of-glp-1s/
• Oct 27, 8:30am–4:30pm | Fighting Asthma Disparities Summit. Online; register by Oct 23. https://prcceh.upenn.edu/event/18th-annual-fighting-asthma-disparities-summit/
• Oct 27, 2–3:15pm | Building trust for immunization. Free, online. https://www.nfid.org/webinar/building-trust-to-increase-immunization-uptake/
• Oct 27, 5–6pm | From Measles to mRNA. Hybrid, Philadelphia; free admission. https://perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/events/from-measles-to-mrna-a-legacy-of-american-efforts-in-vaccines-and-public-health/

If you’re an IP, can you please post your current salary and location?

I'm in my second year in my MHS in SBS/HBS program and I plan to start applying for jobs come this January. I have four years experience as an RPC/RA but I would want to pivot outside of academia for a few years (mainly because of financial reasons - I have a lot of debt that I would like to clear/decrease and that kinda has to be a priority for me).

So, for people with a similar degree, what do you do now and how much do you make? And, any advice for people looking to transition into your field.

Hi everyone! Currently a MPH student in my first year, and my concentration is in epidemiology. I work as an RBT right now, but have been applying to research jobs, and I got an invite to interview for both CTRC | & Il positions. I'm highly interested in going into research long-term, and I was wondering if this is a good starting point while doing my MPH? I'm sure it's a good relation with epidemiology since I'd be doing research on causes, carcinogens, and genetics. My one issue will be when I do my Capstone/Fieldwork semester and whether that organization will let me use them as a site / be in agreement with my school.

Thank you in advance!

Would widespread exposure to a livestreamed public execution plausibly increase sleep disturbances, fatigue-related traffic accidents, workplace injuries, or other health events over the following days? What data and study design would be best for detecting such an effect? How pronounced would it be?

Hi everyone! I’m an IB student in NYC working on an engagement project about healthcare inequalities.
My research question is: “How do New York’s healthcare policies reduce inequalities in access to healthcare for migrant women?”
For this project, I need to engage directly with people involved in this issue through interviews and discussions. I’m looking to connect with:
Immigrant women who have experience accessing healthcare in NYC.
Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and caregivers.
People working in hospitals, community health centers, or immigrant support organizations.
People involved in NYC public health policy or government services.
If you’re willing to participate in a short interview, know someone I could contact, or have any advice or resources that could help with my research, I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you so much!

[Survey Cleared with Mods]

Hello everyone!

I'm a public health researcher at Yale looking to understand how Asian/AAPI women view and access healthcare services.

As an AAPI individual myself, I'm conducting a survey to address a major gap in public health research: the unique cultural and structural barriers Asian and AAPI women face when accessing mental, sexual, and reproductive healthcare services.The survey has been cleared for IRB approval at Yale (#2000043423) and I would love to get community input.

The survey is completely anonymous, administered via Qualtrics, and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Who is eligible?

• Self-identify as an Asian or AAPI woman 

Take the survey here: https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daLooH8ePvUA89o

AAPI health experiences (particularly around sensitive topics like mental health stigma and reproductive care) are heavily underrepresented in public health data. Community insight is vital to helping us understand these barriers and develop more culturally responsive care and digital support systems.

Please feel free to share the survey with friends, family, or other communities who may be eligible to take the survey!

Hi, everyone! I’m working on a project focused on public health and exploring how we can improve MPH programs. I’d love to hear from people who are interested in pursuing public health, currently studying it, or already working in the field!

I have a few questions and would really appreciate any insights you’re willing to share:
- What inspired you to pursue public health?

-What are you looking for (or what did you look for) in a public health or MPH program?

- If you’re currently in the field, what are you doing with your degree?

-What skills, experiences, or opportunities do you think are most important for an MPH program to offer?

-Is there anything you wish your program had done differently or offered more of?

Feel free to share as much or as little as you’d like. I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and perspectives. Thank you!

I am looking to go back to school and would like some advice on pursuing a public health degree. For context, I am 31 and have been working in overdose prevention/harm reduction programming for roughly the last ten years. My experience began in direct services with Narcan and SSP supply distribution, and from there I was mentored by some amazing people and taught to write grants, programs, and policies, and manage them. I have worked for state public health departments, the CDC, harm reduction organizations, and everything in between. I currently work under SAMSHA funding providing regional overdose prevention planning for multiple counties. I also have a private consulting firm where I work with hospitals, health facilities, governments, and other organizations to implement harm reduction programs and policies, obtain and manage funding, and provide technical assistance.

My main issue is that because I do not have even an undergrad, I feel I am missing out on a lot of opportunities from a career standpoint and it seems to be increasingly difficult to be taken seriously as a professional in the state I live in. I'd like to go back to school and one day even pursue a Masters or PhD. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial for me to go back to school sooner rather than later. With my current funding we are partnered with a local university where I have some incredible colleagues in their school of public health, but I'm just unsure on when and what track might make the most sense. I figured this sub might help. Thank you so much in advance!

PS, I was in school at one point for English but...drugs. I am now thriving and using my lived experience to center people who use drugs in the programs designed to support them, but I just got so busy working that school got put on the backburner for me.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a sixth person has died in the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania. The person was a 39-year-old woman who, according to the coroner’s office, “had several underlying conditions, including a past diagnosis of measles with treatment.” The full statement is attached and can be found on the coroner’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BMhKpSKGF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Pennsylvania leads the United States in measles cases in 2026, with over 1,100 confirmed cases and 219 reported hospitalizations. The full measles dashboard can be seen here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles

For a global perspective: As of the week of October 12, 2026, measles remains a global public-health threat, with outbreaks occurring in every region. The latest available international surveillance highlights substantial activity in Bangladesh, Guatemala, India, Yemen, Pakistan, and Mexico. (Reporting lags mean these figures do not reflect this week’s transmission in real time.)

Persistent vaccination gaps are sustaining the resurgence: WHO estimates that only 77% of children worldwide received both measles vaccine doses in 2025, leaving approximately 29 million infants underprotected. In the Americas, PAHO has assessed the regional risk as “very high.”

Studies show that when you take the medication within three days of exposure, it reduces your chance of getting COVID by two-thirds. “And even if you do get COVID, the infection seems to be milder and somewhat briefer,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Read more.

Hey everyone! I’m an MPH student, and I applied to give an oral presentation at the APHA conference this year. My research was waitlisted, but someone dropped out and they reached out and asked if I would like to fill the spot. I accepted, and am delighted with the opportunity, but I’m freaking out because it’s in just 2 and half weeks! The hotel blocks have all ended, plane ticket prices are fairly high, and I’ve never been to a conference or even organized any out of state travel that wasn’t driving before!! Can anyone give me a run down of what to expect, or offer any advice!?

Hi guys,

I'm taking my CHES exam this Thursday... and was wondering if anybody can provide some tips? I have the NCHEC textbook and find random quizlets on the different areas of responsibility to study from. I also use chatgpt to help quiz me and this website: https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/ches#google_vignette, however, I feel like these questions are too easy compared to the actual practice questions that are in the back of the textbook?? I've been highlighting and putting sticky notes on important concepts/ key terms/ models/ theories like crazy!

I want and NEEED to pass and am desperate for tips!! Thank you in advance :)

Hi everyone. I just applied to several CDC ORISE fellowships in public health data/informatics (MS in Health Informatics, 2024). The waiting is already getting to me, so I figured I'd ask people who've been through it:
- How long after the deadline did you hear anything?
- What was the interview like?
- Anything you wish you'd known while waiting?
Thanks in advance — this is my dream and I'm trying not to refresh my email every five minutes.

Conversations to Remember is looking for volunteers who can remotely volunteer for as little as an hour per week.

We have one hour per week positions for volunteers 17-25 years old who are interested in speaking with seniors to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation, a key social determinant of health. Our program works with many seniors who are living with cognitive decline (mild to advanced) so this is a great opportunity for exposure to an underserved portion of the population who could use assistance.

If you're interested in opportunities to contribute more, we have volunteer or internship positions in public health promotion and volunteer outreach too that are open to individuals 18+. Check out our website for more information about this opportunity or just register to volunteer.

Training will be provided.

Descriptions of open roles can be found here.