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The Kentucky plan revisited: lessons learned from an innovative doctoral education program
Joel M Lee1, F Douglas Scutchfield, Raymond Hill
1College of Public Health, 121 Washington Street, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. joellee@uky.edu
This paper shares lessons learned from the initial years of the University of Kentucky's Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) program. It details experiences with curriculum design, admissions, and student attrition to inform future public health education.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Education
- Doctoral Program Development
Background:
- The University of Kentucky College of Public Health developed an innovative Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) degree.
- The program was designed to prepare graduates for professional practice through supervised field experience, linking theory with practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To share "lessons learned" from the initial operational years of the Dr.P.H. program.
- To provide insights into the evolution of the program, addressing trends, curriculum, admissions, and student attrition.
Main Methods:
- The paper reflects on the practical experiences and challenges encountered during the early implementation of the Dr.P.H. program.
- Analysis of program evolution, including curriculum design, admissions policies, and student support.
Main Results:
- The program's evolution yielded significant lessons regarding curriculum innovation, admissions criteria, and scheduling.
- Key challenges and insights were identified concerning comprehensive examinations and student attrition rates.
Conclusions:
- The practical implementation of the Dr.P.H. program provided valuable insights not fully captured in theoretical design.
- Continuous evaluation and adaptation are crucial for the success of professional practice-oriented doctoral programs in public health.
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