Cross-Cutting Public Health

Late last month the students at EHESP met with Marlyn Delva (Associate Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health’s Office of Student Affairs) and Dr. Linda Cushman (Associate Clinical Professor of Population and Family Health) of Columbia University to talk more about the cross-cutting public health concept, internships, and possible exchange possibilities. Here are their responses to the many follow up questions asked.

Dr. Linda Cushman

The main feature of the new curriculum is a new, integrated “core”. Meaning that previously separate core courses (for example biostatistics, epidemiology) are now being combined. Plus, students meet in small interdepartmental groups all year long to review cases that reflect major core concepts being introduced in classes. This small, seminar-type, interdisciplinary class is called integration of science and practice. There are other features as well, all emphasising the inter-relatedness of public health specialties, as well as professionalism and leadership in the field.

Your primary trip purpose was to begin discussions on bringing Columbia students to Paris for “study abroad”. How soon do you see this happening, and what type of student exchange do you want to see for your students? 

Columbia students will be assigned to projects in Paris and Rennes this summer (2012). The projects were identified by faculty and researchers at EHESP and various other hospitals and organisations in these cities.

While here in Paris you also became aware of a vice versa exchange interest, with EHESP students going to New York. Is this also a possibility?

Yes, some EHESP students have already come to Columbia and information about these opportunities can be obtained from Dr. Moise Desvarieux.

Is a combined/dual degree program a potential idea for the future?

Marlyn Delva

We are uncertain about this at this juncture.

There was a lot of interest from EHESP students in possible internships, either in the summer break or during the planned internship placement. What kind of internship possibilities exist at Columbia for EHESP students and how would interested students go about setting these internships up?

Again, information about this is currently available through Dr. Moise Desvarieux although procedures could change with expanded interest.

If you are interested in pursuing placement opportunities at the University of Columbia please contact Dr. Moise Desvarieux at the following email address: md108@mail.cumc.columbia.edu