How to Be Public Health Physician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 26, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing prevalence of obesity and its associated health risks has been a cause for concern for public health physicians. It has been linked to numerous chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer. Furthermore, obesity has been linked to physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and lack of access to healthy food options.

As a result, public health physicians have been advocating for more comprehensive and preventive health strategies to reduce the burden of obesity. Such strategies include increasing access to healthy food options in communities, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthier lifestyle habits. By implementing these strategies, public health physicians hope to reduce the risk of obesity-related complications and improve the overall health of the population.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step in becoming a public health physician is to earn a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as biology, chemistry, or public health.
Pursue Medical School. After completing a bachelors degree, the next step is to attend medical school and become a doctor. During medical school, students can focus on public health-related studies and internships.
Obtain Licensure. After graduating from medical school, the next step is to obtain state licensure to practice medicine. Many states require physicians to pass certain exams before they can legally practice medicine.
Complete Residency. After passing the necessary exams and obtaining licensure, the next step is to complete a residency program in public health or a related field. During this time, physicians will gain experience working with patients and reviewing public health research.
Obtain Board Certification. After completing the residency program, physicians can pursue board certification in public health by passing the American Board of Preventive Medicine exams.
Pursue Specialization. Once board-certified, doctors can specialize further by completing additional residencies or fellowships in particular areas of public health such as epidemiology, biostatistics, or health policy.

As a public health physician, staying ahead and capable requires dedication to lifelong learning and training. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in public health, medicine, and health policy by reading journals, attending conferences and workshops, and engaging in discussions with peers. one must be aware of the changing needs of the population and the impact of current events on healthcare strategies.

developing strong relationships with colleagues and other professionals in the field is key to staying ahead and capable in one's career. This can be done through networking, collaborating on projects, and mentoring others. Finally, staying ahead and capable also depends on having a good understanding of the legal system and medical ethics.

By taking time to learn about relevant laws and regulations, one can ensure that proper procedures are followed and that patients are receiving the best possible care.

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Job Description

Develop and implement public health policies and programs to improve the health of a population
Conduct research to identify public health issues affecting a given population
Analyze epidemiological data to identify trends in public health
Advocate for public health initiatives to local, state, and federal agencies
Educate the public about health risks and preventive measures
Develop and implement public health monitoring systems
Collaborate with healthcare providers, social services, and other stakeholders to promote public health
Promote health awareness through educational campaigns
Monitor infectious diseases in a community
Promote healthy lifestyle choices through education and outreach

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of public health principles, standards and best practices
Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, and data analysis
Knowledge of research methods and evaluation techniques
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs
Ability to identify needs, develop strategies, and create solutions
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders
Knowledge of health policies, regulations, and legislation
Ability to analyze data and identify trends
Knowledge of public health ethics and confidentiality guidelines
Knowledge of community health assessment processes
Knowledge of public health technologies and informatics
Ability to manage public health projects
Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
Ability to provide guidance and training on public health issues
Knowledge of public health law and legal implications
Ability to analyze public health data and generate reports
Knowledge of public health budgeting and financial management
Ability to develop public health campaigns and interventions
Knowledge of current public health trends and developments

Public health physicians play an important role in protecting and promoting the health of populations, and their skillset is essential in ensuring that individuals and communities stay healthy. The most important skill that a public health physician must possess is the ability to identify and assess health risks. This includes being able to recognize and evaluate the potential effects of a health problem in a community and to determine the best course of action to address it.

public health physicians need to be able to analyze data and develop effective strategies for prevention and control of diseases. They must also be able to communicate effectively with diverse populations, and understand the importance of public health education and outreach. Lastly, public health physicians must be able to remain current with the latest developments in the field, as well as be able to adapt quickly to new challenges.

These skills are necessary for public health physicians to effectively protect and promote the health of populations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What drew you to a career in public health?
What are your primary areas of expertise within public health?
How have you worked to increase public health awareness in your community?
Describe a successful public health initiative that you have implemented in the past.
What challenges have you faced when trying to improve public health outcomes?
How would you use data from public health studies to develop evidence-based policy decisions?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest public health research and trends?
What strategies have you employed to engage stakeholders in public health initiatives?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to public health.
How would you promote collaboration between public health professionals and other disciplines?

Common Tools in Industry

Surveillance Software. Software used to collect, analyze, and report data to identify health trends and public health issues. (e. g. HealthMap)
Epidemiology Tools. Tools used to measure and track the spread of disease and illness. (e. g. Epi Info)
Health Education Platforms. Platforms used to promote public health through education and awareness. (e. g. HealthifyMe)
Data Analysis Programs. Programs used to analyze large sets of health data for research and policy making. (e. g. SAS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Software used to map and visualize health data in order to better understand health trends and target interventions. (e. g. ArcGIS)
Telehealth Systems. Systems used to provide remote medical care and consultation to patients. (e. g. Teladoc)
Electronic Health Records (EHR). Systems used to manage patient health information, including medical history, treatments, and medications. (e. g. Epic)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Public Health Association (APHA)
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
International Public Health Association (IPHA)
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
National Commission on Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)

We also have Wellness Coordinator, Healthcare Research Scientist, and Public Health Research Scientist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Public Health. Refers to all organized measures (whether public or private) to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole.
Epidemiology. The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.
Health Promotion. The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health.
Disease Prevention. The practice of preventing the occurrence of disease in an individual or population by means of preventive medicine, lifestyle changes, vaccination, etc.
Environmental Health. The branch of public health that is concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect human health.
Biostatistics. The application of statistical methods to the analysis of biological data.
Nutrition. The science that deals with the nutrients required by organisms and the ways in which these are assimilated and utilized by the body.
Occupational Health. The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs and workplaces.
Health Policy. A set of laws, regulations, decisions, and actions by government agencies that are designed to achieve specific health care goals within a society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Public Health Physician? A1: A Public Health Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in public health, which involves protecting and improving the health of populations through research, policy, and disease prevention and health promotion activities. Q2: What qualifications do I need to become a Public Health Physician? A2: To become a Public Health Physician, you will need to complete medical school, followed by a residency in public health or preventive medicine. You may also need to pass a state medical licensing exam and become certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Q3: What areas do Public Health Physicians work in? A3: Public Health Physicians work in many different areas including health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, and health policy. Q4: How many Public Health Physicians are there in the US? A4: According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 10,000 Public Health Physicians in the US in 2019. Q5: What is the average salary for a Public Health Physician? A5: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Health Physicians in 2019 was $196,490.