Outbreaks of infectious diseases, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and foodborne diseases are happening around the globe and make comprehensive public health assessment, planning and action crucial.

A diverse group of 15 students recently began to learn how to address these issues as members of the new Master of Public Health (MPH) program administered through the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The MPH incorporates a “One Health” focus on how humans, animals and the environment are connected, and a “Planetary Health” focus centering on sustainability and equity.

“We need a variety of engaged minds around one table to understand and address complex problems in public health today,” said Gen Meredith, associate director of the MPH program and of International Programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Cornell’s MPH program will prepare graduates to be leaders in public health at the municipal, state, national and international levels.”

Students choose one of two concentration areas:

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology, which trains students to prevent and respond to emerging viral, bacterial or parasitic disease outbreaks, and to lead a coordinated response to address the public heath need; or

• Food Systems and Health, which teaches students how to assess and coordinate policy, programs or interventions that ensure safe and sustainable land use, food production, food storage and processing, food delivery and consumption. Students also learn to help prevent and reduce the global burden of chronic and food-borne diseases.

This article was written by Melissa Osgood and was originally published in the Cornell Chronicle on September 12, 2017.