Her role combines the theoretical background related to the multiple aspects of health that she learned while in the Health Studies program, and the applied skills that she learned while completing Waterloo’s Master of Public Health.
The Region of Waterloo Public Health delivers a variety of programs and services designed to keep the community healthy and safe. As a Public Health Planner, Phuc-Nhi works as part of a team that focuses on chronic disease prevention – promoting things like healthy eating and physical activity in order to prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
For Phuc-Nhi, the best part of the job is working with people who have the same vision and passion for the role that public health can play in preventing illness and maintaining health within the population. She says she has also enjoyed the opportunity to see the dedication to her schooling pay off. “I’m able to use the skills and knowledge that I have gained throughout my university career, and apply them in my role.”
If I could create a job description resulting from my undergraduate degree in Health Studies and my Master of Public Health – it would be a Public Health Planner.
The Health Studies program aims to provide timely, relevant skills and knowledge that will prepare students to tackle the health challenges of today, and the future. As Phuc-Nhi demonstrates, the skills learned in the Health Studies program can be applied to help make a difference in the community.