Why Michigan Needs Tutoring to Improve Tobacco Grades

Michigan continues to struggle to protect residents from tobacco products' harmful effects.

As a typical overachiever, receiving any grade lower than an “A” has always been terrifying. However, Michigan recently did just that. Across three out of five domains, Michigan failed the American Lung Association Tobacco Control Report Card.^[1]

National Public Health Week 2023

During National Public Health Week, April 3 - 9, we honor faculty, alumni, students, staff, community partners, and professionals that are dedicated to making communities safer, stronger, and healthier. Together we strive to create the healthiest nation.

We invite you to check out highlights of some of the work being accomplished by Spartans working in public health. 

Black History Month: Celebrating Public Health Heroes

In recognition of Black History Month, we're highlighting Spartans in Public Health who dedicate their talents to addressing health disparities. We are inspired by the public health leadership of our community. Together we stand for health justice. Explore the important work of our leadership and faculty. 

Student Q&A: Lauryn Allen

As soon as she stepped foot on MSU's campus, Lauryn Allen knew she was meant to be a Spartan. Her passion for helping underserved groups and using research to understand social determinants of health inspired her to continue her education at MSU and pursue her Master of Public Health. Following a successful summer internship, she currently works as a graduate research assistant for a study focusing on cervical cancer prevention. 

Read more about Lauryn in this Q&A. 

Did You Know Girls and Boys Can Receive the HPV Vaccine?

The human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing infection, and its ability to reduce the risk for HPV infections remains high even a decade after the initial vaccination. The vaccine reduces cervical cancer among women and prevents cancers likely caused by an HPV infection among men.

New Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health to Expand and Strengthen Community Care

For years, MSU College of Human Medicine researchers in the Division of Public Health have been working with Flint community partners to improve the health of the community, improve access to health care, reduce health disparities and advance policies and interventions that eliminate structural racism in health care.

A Place in Public Health

After graduating from MSU with her bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Lillian Jensen took some time away from starting her career to serve as a medical caregiver for her ailing grandmother. During this time she began to experience flaws in the health care system firsthand. 

“I witnessed flaws in the health care system which directly lowered her quality of life. She had many medical specialists, but my grandmother experienced very little continuity of care. I was frustrated by the sense that I could see her whole medical picture better than her doctors could,” she said.

R2D2 Scholarship Application Open

Research to Reduce Disparities in Disease Program (R2D2) is seeking first-year College of Human Medicine student scholars. Opportunity to earn $10,000 and satisfy the College of Human Medicine’s 3rd-year research requirement. Scholars will create a strong transdisciplinary bridge between medicine and public health while investigating the role of race, ethnicity, gender, and implicit/explicit bias in medicine.

APPLY BY DECEMBER 12, 2022.

Reimagining Equitable Access to Care for Diabetes

November 14 is World Diabetes Day, and November is American Diabetes Month.

During the global coronavirus pandemic, racial and ethnic minorities with diabetes and multiple chronic conditions had a difficult time accessing routine care. John M. Clements, assistant professor of public health in the College of Human Medicine, looks at three time periods during the pandemic to better understand trends in care, inform an equitable public health response, and improve access to care.

Student Q&A: Donovan Dennis

Studying public health reinforced Donovan Dennis' decision to apply for medical school in hopes of becoming a physician. Inspired by the work of advocates and public health professionals in Flint during the water crisis, he sought out Michigan State University's unique MD and MPH programs. Connecting with community members and fellow students and professors fuels his motivation for becoming a future doctor. 

Learn more about Donovan's journey as a dual enrolled MPH/MD student in this Q&A. 

Faculty Voice: Why I Train Flint Mothers to Work With Perinatal Women

Content warning: This story talks about intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). You matter. You are important. 

Vorice Patterson Named Second Flint Spartan Scholar

Michigan State University is excited to congratulate Vorice Patterson as the second recipient of the Flint Spartan Master of Public Health Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming Master of Public Health student.

Patterson has demonstrated a commitment to implementing the knowledge obtained by completing the Master of Public Health program.