2012: The first graduating class of the new program

147 NEW STUDENTS

44 STUDENTS FROM OVERSEAS

STUDENTS REPRESENTING 23 COUNTRIES Professor Rob Moodie took over the helm as Director of Teaching and Learning from the beginning of 2012 and highlights that the quality of teaching is a reflection of the importance and respect the School gives to its students.

“When I took on the role, I was really impressed by the wonderful commitment and skills of my fellow teachers. I learned a lot and remember Melissa Russell’s keen focus on highly practical job ready skills. So many of the MPH students have now become subject coordinators and leaders as well as teaching associates. A truly collaborative approach to teaching and learning, shows how much students (especially through the Student’s society) can contribute to the teaching, and to the overall student experience, and at the same time how much we as teachers can learn from the students. Public health is a team game, so the ability of students to work through the challenges of working in groups and teams is incredibly important. Many have done this so well that their MPH has created long term, enduring friendships. My most lasting impression is the joy of teaching highly motivated, enthusiastic and talented students”.

Qualitative Research was a relative newcomer to the MPH globally; the program previously had a strong focus on quantitative research only. This new program was quickly embedded into the Curriculum and soon achieved some of the highest student experience scores laying the future direction for this as a capability of the School.

To accommodate the different experiences of students and to ensure work readiness for career beginners, a review of the MPH program led to the development of the first Professional Placement Unit (PPU). The program in 2012 started with 9 students who were able to enjoy working with organisations such as VicHealth and the Victorian Department of Health. The placements were achieved by leveraging existing relationships. The PPUs then, as today, are most commonly for 6 months to ensure a robust Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience. These foundations have led to a significant take-up of the PPUs over the years, with Sue Durham now at the helm and students having had learning experiences in the UK, Denmark, Malawi, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Bosnia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Australia.

It is thanks to Louise Bourchier, Muhammad Waliur Rahman and Syed Ariz that the “MPH Students’ Club” which would subsequently become the “Melbourne Population and Global Health Students’ Society” (MPGHSS) was formed to help bring together all those undertaking the program. It all started with a couple of low-key social events, just some BYO snacks and drinks, in a room in the GSA building. Over the next few months connections developed, momentum built, and in May 2012 the club was officially formed with Chris Bates as the inaugural president. The MPGHSS is now a vibrant and active non-profit organisation. The formation of the group has led the ongoing development of the student community over the decade with a strong focus on building professional connections, supporting students, and hosting many social events! Our sincere thanks to all those who have led and contributed to the student committees over these past 10 years, for building community and creating the positive culture we have across MSPGH today, and a special thanks to Lucy Westerman for her contribution to the club’s online presence. Here’s to many more years of successful MPGHSS activities and to continuing to build strong networks of alumni across the world!

“Many of the early students who started with MSPGH were, in equal numbers, public health career beginners who came in through the Melbourne Model or those coming in as career changers. Whilst many came in from a clinical background, others came from journalism and law. The School also had a growing number of people looking to enhance their career in public health and this included an experienced cohort of international students supported by the Australian Government’s AusAward and Australia Award Scholarship programs. Many graduates in this cohort have returned to their home countries to hold senior positions in health system governance and policy.” Professor Rob Moodie

“Students may be surprised to know that it was Professor Dallas English, the king of epidemiology, who was adamant that MPH students should also learn about qualitative research. As a result, I have had the privilege to work with Richard Chenhall, Emma Barnard and our amazing tutors to introduce MPH students to the value of qualitative research in public health and the importance of critical thinking. We have loved the teaching, and have learnt so much from the MPH cohorts we have taught.” Professor Louise Keogh

“The teaching and learning community at MSPGH is a great place to work. We have great leadership which is supportive and extremely cognisant and protective of evidence-based emerging pedagogy. Many different teaching specialists contribute to a tight knit and highly functioning team and whilst students no doubt benefit from this hugely, for staff such as myself I feel privileged to continue to learn from day to day about many different aspects of teaching and learning. It’s a really stimulating environment professionally. I think this is reflected to all students from the teaching staff at MSPGH. There is so much expertise available to students in so many different areas whether its quantitative or qualitative research, clinical topics or epidemiology. I, and the students, are very lucky to have such a range of experts available to provide debate, support and inspiration”. Dr Henrietta Williams

There are so many memories! Certainly, one that is stuck in my mind is that of my first time being on campus! I looked at all those buildings and people around and I was so amazed! I thought to myself “will I be able to do this”? And I did! It was a wonderful adventure all the way through! Sara Pauline Saija, Mozambique

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

“Completing my MPH in 2012 was the culmination of previous years’ exploration through science, health sciences, international development and education. I landed in the MPH and knew I’d found my place. I loved combining my previous understandings of science and culture with behaviour change and social justice issues. The MPH brought rigour to my use of epidemiology and biostatistics, and a critical eye to program design and evaluation. I was challenged learning about complex behaviour and systems change and inspired by the social justice and equity issues raised.

I continue to apply these learnings throughout my professional career in health promotion. The practical and analytical skills I developed in my MPH have been highly relevant to my chosen career and my practicum at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre served as a valuable entrée into a professional workplace. Throughout, I also maintained my link to the MPH through tutoring and lecturing in health promotion and developing a series of online Health Advocacy modules that are currently in use.

The pandemic has shown the world how important public health is globally, in terms of social, societal and economic impact. It is time for us to use our voice and show our impact. Advocacy Matters!

Almost 10 years on, I can also look back and see the value of interpersonal skills I developed such as communication, leadership and networking. I run into MPH colleagues in all sectors of my professional life and still make time to catch up with MPH friends. I am encouraged to see a new network of MPH graduates take on the many public health challenges of our time”.

Clara Adams, Australia