Best Reasons To Study Public Health

Health News
Written by Nabamita Sinha
September 19, 2023

The field of public health offers a diverse range of opportunities for those who are passionate about making a positive impact on society. Whether it’s improving community health, addressing global health challenges, or advocating for social justice, a career in public health can be gratifying.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates promising growth in terms of employment opportunities in the field. In the next decade, careful projections show that jobs in public health will grow by around 5% to 11%. This shows that over the years if you are looking to pursue a career in this field, you have exciting prospects on the horizon.

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Exploring The Public Health Sector

Before delving into the reasons to study public health, it’s essential to understand what this sector entails. Public health focuses on the well-being of communities and populations, aiming to prevent diseases, promote health, and ensure access to quality healthcare services. It is a multidisciplinary field incorporating various sciences, policy-making, and advocacy.

The public health sector is vast and continuously evolving in America. From government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, there is a wide range of employment opportunities. Additionally, as the world becomes more interconnected and health challenges transcend borders, the demand for public health professionals is growing. This growth is reflected in the increasing availability of online masters in public health programs, which allow aspiring public health practitioners to gain specialized knowledge and skills while balancing other commitments.

That being said, here are some of the leading reasons to study public health and eventually pursue it as a profession:

1. Job security

One of the most important reasons to study any subject is to have a sustainable career. Especially in this era of economic uncertainty, job security is a significant consideration. Working in public health offers a high level of stability. Public health professionals are in demand in various settings, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions.

The skills public health professionals possess are transferable and highly sought after, making them highly valuable resources.

2. Diverse Array Of Specializations

Public health is not a one-size-fits-all field. It encompasses numerous specializations, allowing people to hone their careers according to their interests and passions. Whether you’re intrigued by epidemiology, health policy, environmental, or global health, there is a specialization that will align with your goals. This diversity ensures you can find a niche that resonates with your personal and professional aspirations.

Public health is also not just limited to the conventional medical industry. Private corporations with a focus on staff well-being hire public health experts in order to fulfill different objectives. Also, global health bodies, government departments, nonprofit entities, and even colleges or universities have openings for public health professionals. You can expect to find an area of interest when pursuing community health as a career.

3. Ability To Serve The Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of studying public health is the opportunity to make an impact on the well-being of communities. Public health professionals work to identify health anomalies, design interventions, and implement programs that improve the health and well-being of various segments of the population. Whether it’s advocating for clean drinking water, conducting vaccination campaigns, or promoting healthy behaviors, these professionals directly contribute to enhancing the quality of life in communities.

This is a benevolent agenda that rises beyond typical reasons like having a sustainable, high-paying job. Being able to do good for the people around you and impacting the community is what truly makes a person happy. With such a career, you have the opportunity to pick a cause that is close to your heart and is also a prevalent concern in your area.

4. Create A Global Impact

Healthcare challenges extend far beyond national borders. Studying public health equips people with the knowledge and skills to address global health issues. From combating infectious diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS to addressing the impact of climate change on health, public health professionals have the chance to influence the health and well-being of people around the world.

The recent wave of COVID-19, which was one of the biggest and most devastating pandemics to hit in recent history, shed light on a serious concern. The world currently needs more prudent deterrent measures for battling global emergencies like these. As a public health worker, you have the chance to make an impact on such issues around the world.

5. Focus On Ensuring Social Justice

Public health is deeply rooted in the principles of social justice and equity. Studying public health allows individuals to advocate for underserved and marginalized populations. Whether addressing disparities in healthcare access, promoting health equity, or advocating for policies that reduce socioeconomic inequalities, public health professionals are champions for a fair and just society.

6. Work Toward A Cause That Is Close To Your Heart

Public health offers a unique opportunity to align your career with causes and issues you are passionate about. Whether you are deeply concerned about mental health, substance abuse, maternal and child health, or nutrition, there is a place for you in public health. Pursuing a specialization that resonates with your values allows you to channel your energy and expertise into effecting positive change.

7. Help Others In A Unique Manner

Public health professionals are often at the forefront of addressing emerging health threats and crises. Whether responding to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or public health emergencies, public health practitioners play a critical role in protecting communities. If you thrive in high-pressure situations and want to make a difference during challenging times, public health may be the perfect fit for you.

Conclusion

The field of public health offers a multitude of compelling reasons to study and pursue a career in this dynamic and impactful sector. From job security and diverse specializations to the ability to create a global impact and advocate for social justice, studying public health opens doors to a world of meaningful opportunities.

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