Advancing Pedagogy in Leadership Practice to Enhance Public Health Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for competent leadership in public health to address emergent health challenges and restore trust in health institutions. Emphasizing leadership training in public health education programs is key to preparing leaders for these challenges. This study aimed to (1) explore how public health professionals practice leadership and (2) identify gaps between current training practices and emergent needs.

A literature review spanning from 2012 to 2022 informed the development of an interview guide. 48 experienced public health leaders, including 35 alumni from a prominent public health school in the United States as well as 13 established leaders with degrees from other schools, were selected through snowball sampling and agreed to participate in interviews. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts using NVivo software revealed multifaceted aspects of public health leadership, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and experiential learning.

Participants described leadership in public health as the ability to influence change in population health while nurturing the development of future professionals. They highlighted the importance of self-reflection and personal experiences in shaping their leadership styles, illustrating how the principles of public health extend beyond professional realms into daily life. Key qualities of effective leadership included listening actively, valuing diverse perspectives, and providing mentorship. Participants emphasized the transformative role of mentorship and professional development experiences, particularly within master of public health (MPH) programs, in shaping their leadership practices. Looking forward, participants identified several areas for improvement in leadership training, including interdisciplinary collaboration, community-centered strategies, and proficiency in grant writing and financial management. They also stressed the importance of embracing technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in public health practices.

This study underscores the significance of leadership training in public health education. It highlights the value of leaders' reflective practice and the opportunity for leadership programs to enhance training related to interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. Experiential learning opportunities are crucial for nurturing this development and preparing leaders to navigate complex challenges in the field of public health.