Reflective Essay On Public Health

1. Public health system has evolved throughout the years. From the history of public health in Chicago to the implementation of new policies to address health concerns, health professionals strive to improve overall health for its population. One of the major achievements was the creation of vaccines to help fight infectious diseases. Prior to the 1900 smallpox was a major concern, but through the public health efforts of Edward Jenner and his creation of a vaccine, small pox is eradicated. Vaccines are evident example how community efforts to improve overall health have helped protect the health of individuals through primary prevention. Prevention strategies aim to prevent the onset of disease and lower healthcare cost in the nation.
Although public health is improving there continues to be barriers. As people are living longer, rates of chronic illness continue to rise. Hence, health care cost continues to be a problem in the United States. The population now faces high rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Most of the leading causes of death …show more content…
I want to pursue a doctoral degree in public health in order to become a professor. I have always had a passion for teaching, but most specifically educating older students. There is more freedom when teaching students at a high school level or college level, and it is easier to connect with them. My focus has strongly been involved mental health services, but I would love to expand on to other topics. Therefore, I would like to participate in research evolving integrating primary care with behavioral health. Research has identified that integrated care helps lower health cost, and helps eliminate certain barriers surrounding primary care and mental health. But like many subjects more research needs to be done in order to further asses this public health