MPH Field Practice in Action

MPH students convert academic theory to public health practice by completing a 360-hour Field Practice in a community health setting.  The field practice provides a bridge for students to join a growing talented and competent public health workforce. 

Organizations indicate MPH students increase capacity, add fresh perspective, and make a positive impact.  Preceptors from each organization are matched with qualified, work-ready graduate students who accomplish measurable, achievable objectives that satisfy both curriculum requirements and organizational needs. 

If your organization has interest in hosting an MPH intern, contact Julie Hansen at julie.hansen@utk.edu or 865-974-9277. 

Community Education and Mobilization to Improve Environmental Health in Kenya, Africa

Siteiyia Ntete

“I learned to be flexible and open to change. Mobilizing a community in two months was tremendous!” –Siteiyia Ntete

Major Projects: 

• Conducted a community needs assessment through home visits and interviews; found major acute concern was environmental health (waste dumped in streets, lack of community ownership of clean community, negative health effects of pollution, lack of planning)
• Collaborated with concerned youth in the area (later named the Synergy Action Group); met with industry stakeholders to enlist support; received resources; coordinated meetings; provided strategy guidance to implement a two-day community-wide clean-up
• Developed and presented four workshops for mothers and community members on topics of faith, public health prevention, and recycling.

“My advice (for international health promotion) is to be culturally sensitive and competent. You have to do your homework before hand as people expect you to come with solutions. Even for me, being a Kenyan, I still had to do my homework. You have to be flexible, and open minded. If things don’t go as planned, just go with the flow and always be prepared to improvise as needs and situations change rapidly. We had to wait for an hour one time for a workshop because people are laid back and don’t go by the same pace we are use to here in America. Patience is the most important virtue. In addition, accept criticism, be non-judgmental, and learn from other people. Otherwise enjoy and help make the world a better place.” –Siteiyia Ntete   Past Featured Placements Veronica Mays - HOLA (Los Angeles, CA)