Presentation
Centering Social Justice and Equity in a Public Health Curriculum
University of Minnesota Best Practices Health Sciences Education
(2021)
Abstract
Throughout public health literature on the subject of social justice, the word “inextricably” is often used to define the inherent tie between the two. As public health aims to improve the health outcomes of all populations, social justice is argued to be the philosophy on which public health is based - its core value. Despite this centrality, many argue it is overlooked or taken for granted in the field.
At St. Catherine University, we proposed an MPH curriculum reform with a more intentional explicit focus on social justice. The overarching goal is to provide students with the skills necessary to not only discuss issues of injustice, but work toward health equity and justice in their careers. The program will combine the ideas through readings and discussions along with teaching tangible skill sets that will facilitate students’ ability to incorporate social justice and health equity into public health work. The social justice curriculum is composed of eight key areas that make up the toolbox needed to work towards social justice with competencies directly aligned with each of the following domains: Community Development; Economic Development & Funding Policies; Advocacy; Partnership and Engagement; Planning, monitoring, and evaluation; Quality healthcare; Root cause analysis; Analysis and assessment.
Upon completion of the program, students will understand social justice concepts, recognize the root causes of health inequities, and develop skills necessary to dismantle injustice and advance a social justice agenda in global health careers.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring May 4, 2021
Citation Information
Leso Munala, Elizabeth Allen and Kieu My Phi. "Centering Social Justice and Equity in a Public Health Curriculum" University of Minnesota Best Practices Health Sciences Education (2021) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/elizabeth-allen/20/