2020: PUBLIC HEALTH AND PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
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As new Head of School Professor Nancy Baxter arrived from Canada, the year started with terrifying bushfires and horrific scenes in Victoria and New South Wales. This was followed by the outbreak of the global pandemic COVID-19 and the subsequent closing of international borders. For those teaching and studying public health during a pandemic it was a surreal and challenging experience. With the University campus effectively locked down in midMarch, we all adapted to a life on Zoom which is now all too familiar. Moving to online as well as subsequent closure of borders created a huge impact on teaching staff and students alike and the dedication and professionalism of all during this time is testament to the culture of the MSPGH community. Zoom meetings were set up to check in, catch up, chat with students to ensure everyone felt connected and part of the broader community. Staff and students demonstrated a strong sense of shared accountability in supporting each other through the challenging times. At times like these, the strength of the community is paramount. Professor Lisa Gibbs, Director
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of the Child and Community Wellbeing Program in the Centre for Health Equity also leads on Community Resilience in the Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety and many resources are provided to support the community. In recognition of teaching excellence, leadership across the University and a decade of dedication to coordination of the MPH, the MSPGH celebrated Melissa Russell being awarded the GEM Scott Teaching Fellowship. Melissa was instrumental in ensuring the MPH program was able to move swiftly in terms of new delivery and particularly to understand the needs of students in challenging circumstances whilst maintaining support for the teaching staff and subject continuity
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The Student Society continued to go from strength to strength. Under the leadership of Zainab Korashi, the organisation moved to an Incorporated Association structure and launched a vibrant social media presence with new logo and vitality. In September 2020, the Student Society hosted a highly successful webinar “Personalising Care for Population Health” chaired by Professors Nancy Baxter and Rob Moodie, with international and national speakers, attracting an audience of 600 people.
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MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
