The events of September 11 created an unparalleled awareness of the value public health professionals have in society.

The current demand for public professionals is a result of federal policies to modernize the spectrum of health promotion and disease prevention competencies. In 2004, Georgia's Board of Regents recognized the increased demand for public health professionals and launched a public health initiative that led to the creation of MCG's MPH program.

Furthermore, the iMPH at MCG will train competent professionals to fulfill the Institute of Medicine's definition of public health professionals as "persons educated in public health or a related discipline and employed to improve health through a population focus." The health informatics and administration areas of specialization will fill the need for professionals which will keep the people healthy in the 21st century.

(Return to top)