Gaining proficiency in these competencies takes place through a balance of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Depending on training, experience and role in the public health system, public health professionals may develop greater proficiency in certain competencies.
Applicants must complete training hours in the competency areas, document their progress in each competency areas in a portfolio, and demonstrate proficiency in the competency areas to an advisor and an expert in the field.
Respondents felt most proficient in Competency 6.2 "Interpret information for professional, non-professional and community audiences" with 97.1% scoring their proficiency as very good (50.0%) or outstanding (47.1%).
Respondents felt least proficient in Competency 3.4 "Implement a policy or program and/or take appropriate action to address a specific public health issue" with 35.3% scoring their proficiency as very good (26.5%) or outstanding (8.8%).
In order to be allowed to practice independently, physicians must graduate from a residency training program and demonstrate proficiency in six "core competencies".
Future work will evaluate employers' perceptions of graduate proficiency in the Core Competencies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the program's impact and effectiveness.
Linkages between academic institutions and public health practice allow the integration of traditional and applied learning in order to enhance student proficiency in the Core Competencies.
According to the Guidelines, MPH practicums allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to public health practice, enhance their proficiency in the Core Competencies, improve their interpersonal, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and identify potential career interests [ 2].
The results of this assessment show that the University of Guelph MPH program graduates had a positive learning experience characterized by gains in proficiency in the Core Competencies, leading to rapid employment for those who entered the public health workforce.
Early introduction with repetition to such cognitive processes as practice tools increases engagement in reflection that may facilitate proficiency in mastering this competency leading to the creation of future reflective health professionals.
