UCLA Fielding celebrates students' experience in the field

The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health celebrated the work of second-year master of public health students through their Applied Practice Experiences (APEx) projects at a symposium on campus at UCLA.

"At Fielding we know that public health education extends far beyond the classroom; it's about taking what we've learned and applying it to the real world challenges facing our communities," said Dean Kari Nadeau, a physician and distinguished professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. "Our students' applied practice experiences, APEx programs, are an important part of that journey. They provide opportunities to work alongside public health professionals, engage with communities, navigate complex challenges, and contribute to meaningful work."

More than 50 students, staff, and faculty attended the inaugural "Impact From the Field" event, sponsored by UCLA Fielding's Office of Public Health Practice (OPHP). The office promotes and facilitates collaborations among the school’s students, faculty, staff, and community partners locally and globally. Students who participate are from all five of UCLA Fielding's academic departments, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management.

The Oct. 28 event showcased just a few of the APEx projects, including some in the U.S. and internationally, including projects in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. The APEx effort translates to 400 hours per student per year, with a group of some 100 students involved, said Dr. Alina Dorian, who leads the program as UCLA Fielding's associate dean for public health practice.

"It's really important to realize that this inaugural 'Impact From the Field' event is truly just the tip of the iceberg; behind all of these APEX experiences are tens of thousands of hours that our students have spent working alongside communities in addressing real public health challenges, advancing health equity, and helping to shape a healthier and more just future, both here in Los Angeles and across the globe," said Dorian, who also serves as an associate professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences. "As you can see, we work everywhere - including globally."