How did you become interested in your field of public health? What lead you to DLSPH?
I had always wanted to pursue a career in a health-related field, but it was my experience as an intern at an HIV treatment centre in Lesotho, a small country in southern Africa, that pushed me to study public health epidemiology. In Lesotho, I worked to facilitate data collection for the monitoring and evaluation of clinic operations and the delivery of antiretroviral therapy. I became frustrated by the fact that I, myself, did not possess the skills to analyze and learn from the data we collected – and the recognition of this gap in my skill set helped me to identify epidemiology as a useful and interesting area of study. More fundamentally however, through the experience of working in an impoverished community so heavily affected by HIV/AIDS, I was fortunate to gain a deeper appreciation of both the importance of prevention in enhancing the health of individuals and populations, and the fundamental truth that health is an issue of social justice. Therefore, it was the desire to learn from a faculty of leaders in the field, and to gain the sound epidemiologic skills needed to make my own contribution to improving public health, that lead me to the DLSPH.
In what ways has your DLSPH experience had an impact on your career?
Quite simply, the training I received at the DLSPH provided me with the skills necessary to obtain and succeed in a job I love. I use the skills I obtained during my MPH every day in my position, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.
Was there a specific faculty member or course that was particularly influential?
I was privileged to learn from a host of fantastic faculty members, but I am particularly grateful to Dr. Laura Rosella, from whom I learned a tremendous amount. Dr. Rosella was my professor for two courses – Scientific Overviews, and Categorical Data Analysis for Epidemiologic Studies, and she was also my supervisor for a practicum at Public Health Ontario. She is a very talented teacher, and is able to effectively convey the often complicated and nuanced con cepts of epidemiology. As an accomplished practicing epidemiologist, Dr. Rosella is keenly aware of the practical skills that are needed by individuals entering the field, and she is intent on instilling these skills in her students.
I use the skills I obtained during my MPH every day in my position, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.
What have you been doing since leaving DLSPH?
Since graduating, I have worked as a Research Associate and Senior Research Associate in the Research Department, Prevention & Cancer Control at Cancer Care Ontario conducting a case-control study to investigate the association between allergies and pancreatic cancer, with Principal Investigator Dr. Michelle Cotterchio. I am now transitioning into a new position of Epidemiologist for Cancer Screening, Evaluation and Reporting. I am excited for this new challenge, and the opportunity to further utilize and expand the skills I acquired through my MPH.
Also, since graduating, I have become an active member of the DLSPH Public Health Alumni Association. I sit on the PHAA Board as Secretary, and am Co-Chair of the Mentorship Program. I have found that participating in the PHAA is a terrific way to stay connected to the School, and to continue to build relationships within this amazing network of public health leaders.
What advice would you give to current students who aspire to follow a similar career path?
While you’re still a student, my advice would be to focus on developing the skills that will serve you well upon entering the work force, be they skills in statistical analysis, program evaluation, critical appraisal of literature, or others. It can be easy to get excited about a particular public health issue or topic area, but there are lots of fascinating topics in the field of public health – and having a solid set of skills will afford you the flexibility to explore different areas, and will help you sell yourself to a broader range of potential employers. In that vein, I would encourage students looking for practica, and new graduates looking for first jobs, to think about the skills and experiences they will gain from a particular position, rather than just the subject area. With strong skills and some experience under your belt, you will undoubtedly soon be in the perfect position to pursue your particular area of interest.
What would you say to a prospective student who is considering DLSPH?
The DLSPH has a great reputation for a host of different reasons – a diverse and highly accomplished Faculty; programs in different ‘streams’ of public health, such as epidemiology, health promotion and occupational & environmental health; strong connections with numerous local, provincial, federal and international public health institutions; amazing opportunities to learn ‘on the job’ during practicum placements; and many others. As a student at the DLSPH, you will benefit from these many opportunities that are unique to the School, and upon graduation, you will benefit from (and further contribute to) the reputation the DLSPH has established for producing very qualified, high caliber graduates.
As a student at the DLSPH, you will benefit from these many opportunities that are unique to the School, and upon graduation, you will benefit from (and further contribute to) the reputation the DLSPH has established for producing very qualified, high caliber graduates.
Beth Lowcock received the Randall Coates Epidemiology Prize, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (2011) and a Dalla Lana School of Public Health Masters Tuition Scholarship (2009). She is a published epidemiologist with eleven publications to her name (four as first author). In addition to her role at CancerCare Ontario, Beth continues to give back to DLSPH as a devoted volunteer and champion of the Public Health Alumni Association. Her commitments include the PHAA Executive as Secretary of the Board, Co-Chair of the Alumni Spring Panel Series, and Co-Chair of the Mentorship Program Committee, in addition to serving as an alumni judge for the DLSPH Research and Practice Day, and numerous other alumni representative roles.