Every 21st century health professional should have the ability to practice with a Public Health Approach, the upstream, preventive, values-driven and evidence-based orientation in improving population health

Want to know more about how determinants and diseases are distributed throughout a population? This course will teach you the basics of epidemiology and how it applies to public health and healthcare.

“For as long as humans have walked the earth, our species has struggled with infectious diseases. The strategies for controlling contagion and managing illness have shaped our societies and tradition.” -Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, Brown University School of Public Health.

In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of dynamics of communicable diseases.

Cases of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) in Idaho have increased in the last decade. We have a crucial opportunity to build Idaho’s workforce capacity to address prevention, harm reduction, and care, especially for underserved communities.

“In times of stress and danger such as come about as the result of an epidemic, many tragic and cruel phases of human nature are brought out, as well as many brave and unselfish ones.” -William Crawford Gorgas, Sanitation in Panama.

A disease outbreak response plan can mean the difference between swiftly stopping the spread of an infectious disease and unnecessary loss of life, quality of life, or productivity.

Partner services are free and confidential programs offered to people with STDs and/or HIV their partners, and to other people who are at increased risk for infection in order to prevent transmission and improve health outcomes. After completing this module, you will understand how to inform your clients, patients, or community about the essential role of contact tracing and partner services.

Health profession students and practitioners should be equipped to locate and utilize Idaho-specific infectious disease resources and to partner with local service agencies.

“Gaps in health outcomes have widened markedly between rural and urban areas over the past 3 decades, and health outcomes are now significantly worse in rural than in urban areas.” -Robert A. Harrington et al, 2020. Learn what the major health disparities are for our rural communities, and how they are being creatively addressed.

Develop your knowledge and skills in intercultural engagement so you can positively impact belonging and wellbeing.

Everyone in the broader ISU community can practice the skillful art of compassionate communication. Health professionals, especially, should possess a complete picture of a person’s past and present circumstance in order to provide effective services with a healing orientation.