Public Health Longitudinal Integrated Foundation Training (LIFT) Program: A Junior Doctor’s Experience

Authors

  • Dawn Celine Siaw Chern Poh MBBS, MRes. Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wales, United Kingdom. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9501-272X
  • Sarah Andrews MPH. Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wales, United Kingdom.
  • Ushan Andrady MBBS. Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wales, United Kingdom. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4156-9752

Keywords:

Education, Medical, Education, Professional, Health, Public, Health, Community, Environment, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, Social Medicine, Policy, Health, Care Policies, Health, Health Care Economics and Organizations, Health Care Category, Universal Health Care, Diseases, Infectious, Diseases, Communicable, Clerkship, Clinical, Preconception Care, Legislation, Medical

Abstract

This paper presents reflections on a one-year public health (PH) Longitudinal Integrated Foundation Training (LIFT) program at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). The program, introduced by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), aims to expose junior doctors to preventative medicine and population health approaches. Key experiences included contributing to a preconception care draft strategy, participating in a nuclear power plant decommissioning consultation, attending a Cryptosporidium outbreak meeting, and witnessing the implementation of Wales' 20mph speed limit law. These experiences provided insights into the multifaceted nature of PH work, including health improvement, health protection, and healthcare PH. The placement highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and effective communication in addressing complex health issues. Challenges included balancing clinical responsibilities with PH learning opportunities and adapting to the broader scope of PH work. In conclusion, integrating PH training into medical education is crucial for addressing rising chronic diseases and encourages junior doctors to embrace such opportunities for professional growth and developing new perspectives on population health.

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References

Mason E, Chandra-Mouli V, Baltag V, Christiansen C, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: advancing from 'important to do and can be done' to 'is being done and is making a difference'. Reprod Health. 2014;11 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S8.

The Lancet. Preconception health. https://www.thelancet.com/series/preconception-health. Last updated April 17, 2018; cited June 19, 2024

Hart JT. The inverse care law. Lancet. 1971 Feb 27;1(7696):405-12.

Hill AB. The Environment and Disease: Association or Causation? Proc R Soc Med. 1965;58(5):295-300.

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Published

2024-11-19

How to Cite

Chern Poh, D. C. S., Andrews, S., & Andrady, U. (2024). Public Health Longitudinal Integrated Foundation Training (LIFT) Program: A Junior Doctor’s Experience. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.pitt.edu/IJMS/article/view/2758

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Experience

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