The New to Public Health Residency Program Supports Transition to Public Health Practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health Workforce Development
• Professional Training Programs
• Governmental Public Health Practice

Background:

• Training and retaining a competent public health workforce presents significant challenges.
• Residency programs are effective in other sectors but are uncommon in governmental public health.
• There is a need for structured training for professionals entering public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and components of the New to Public Health Residency Program.
• To highlight the program's potential as a resource for agencies supporting new public health employees.
• To address the gap in residency programs for governmental public health professionals.

Main Methods:

• The program is based on the Foundational Public Health Services model and adult learning principles.
• Content is delivered over 12 months via online sessions with interactive activities, monthly discussions, and mentorship.
• Residents implement an evidence-based practice project in their workplace.

Main Results:

• The program provides continuing professional development contact hours.
• It offers a structured, expert-developed curriculum for new public health practitioners.
• It integrates theoretical learning with practical application through workplace projects.

Conclusions:

• The New to Public Health Residency Program is a vital training resource for agencies with limited capacity to support new employees.
• The program design incorporates best practices from other fields, such as nurse residency programs.
• It aims to enhance the competence and retention of the public health workforce.