Residents will advance their public health knowledge and confidence in a variety of ways.

  • Learn. Complete asynchronous, online learning modules that explore foundational public health areas and capabilities. Approximately 6-8 hours per month.
  • Connect. Join a national community of early-career public health professionals through monthly synchronous discussions. 90 minutes per month.
  • Grow. Work with an experienced public health mentor for guidance, professional development, and leadership growth. One hour per month.
  • Apply. Complete an evidence-based practice project that applies learnings to a real public health project. Varying time per month, connected to residents’ everyday work.

The New to Public Health Residency Program uses the nationally accepted Foundational Public Health Services framework. The content each month is driven by a foundational area or capability within the framework.

Curriculum

Through interactive activities like scavenger hunts, themed reflections, and case studies, residents will participate in asynchronous modules and synchronous discussions addressing key areas of public health.

Public Health Overview

Learners will gain a foundational understanding of public health in the United States, including its historical development, its legal framework, and the government’s role in practice. Participants will explore effective communication strategies using plain language and technology, examine the value of reflection in professional growth, and learn key approaches to building and sustaining a diverse, skilled, and equitable public health workforce.

Learners will explore how to advance health equity by addressing the social and cultural determinants of health through intentional policy, programs, and services. The session emphasizes embedding equity throughout the Foundational Public Health Services, fostering cross-sector collaboration, building organizational capacity, and developing a shared understanding of the systemic factors that shape health outcomes and perpetuate inequities.

Learners will examine the vital role public health plays in preventing and managing chronic diseases and injuries through the delivery of evidence-based programs and services in coordination with community partners. Participants will learn strategies for developing prevention plans across funding streams, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity and obesity, tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. The session will also highlight the importance of community engagement and data-driven planning to guide health assessment and improvement initiatives.

Learners will develop skills to enhance public health communication and build meaningful community partnerships. The session covers how to work with media effectively, develop and implement routine and proactive communication strategies, and ensure timely and culturally appropriate messaging. Learners will also explore methods to build trust and collaborate with diverse community groups, particularly those experiencing health disparities, to support inclusive and community-driven public health decision-making.

Learners will explore how public health professionals demonstrate accountability in their work and how public health departments maintain financial integrity. This session also explores continuous quality improvement frameworks, public health accreditation standards, effective performance management systems, and application of evidence-based practices.

Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how public health departments manage communicable disease prevention and control. The session covers surveillance, outbreak response, partner engagement, and data-driven decision-making in alignment with federal, state, and local mandates. Learners will also explore the integration of disease-specific programs, data privacy standards, and the technology infrastructure needed to support timely and effective communicable disease response.

Learners will explore the vital role of public health in identifying, monitoring, and responding to environmental health issues and exposures. Topics include regulatory responsibilities, laboratory testing, inspections to ensure safe food and water practices, and management of waste and hazardous substances. The session also emphasizes collaboration with community partners, sustainable development planning, and the integration of environmental health programs to support healthy and resilient communities.

Learners will examine how public health supports maternal, child, and family health through timely communication, community partnerships, and evidence-based interventions. The session highlights the use of life course and equity frameworks to address disparities. Learners will also explore newborn screening systems, early childhood supports, and the coordination of maternal and child health programs to promote lifelong health and well-being.

Learners will explore how public health facilitates access to and coordination with clinical care, including behavioral health services. The session covers strategies for sharing timely and accurate information, identifying key healthcare partners, and developing prioritized plans to expand access to quality care. Learners will also examine the roles of regulatory bodies, collaborative policy efforts, and cross-sector partnerships that help ensure equitable healthcare access and outcomes across communities.

Learners will gain an in-depth understanding of public health’s role in emergency preparedness and response. The session covers the development and implementation of preparedness plans for a wide range of emergencies, integrating equity and social determinants into all phases of planning and response. Participants will explore risk communication strategies, cross-sector coordination, incident management, and operations planning. The session also emphasizes community resilience, 24/7 readiness, and critical laboratory functions.

Learners will explore the leadership and policy development roles essential to government public health. Participants will learn how to engage diverse partners, guide group discussions, and advocate for public health priorities at local, state, and national levels. The session emphasizes opportunities within public health to use evidence-based approaches to develop and advocate for effective, legally sound public health policies.

Learners will develop core skills in evidence-based public health by focusing on the collection, analysis, and use of data to guide decision-making at the state and local levels. The session covers how to gather timely, comprehensive data and how to interpret and apply these insights to inform public health planning, improve outcomes, and address health disparities.

Looking for a more tailored experience?

New to Public Health offers tailored options for states and organizations. Synchronous discussions and resources can be customized to local public health needs through a state-based cohort. Organizations may also enroll a group of residents in a traditional cohort or discuss other delivery options. See the prospectus for more information.