Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Dean Julio Frenk outlined the School’s new educational strategy at a symposium held November 1, 2013 at the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center on the Longwood campus. The plan, which blends online, in-person, and in-the-field learning, includes a new doctorate program and revamped master’s in public health program.
The “Second Century Symposium: Transforming Public Health Education” was held as part of the School’s Centennial celebration.
Frenk described a vision for an educational continuum that people access at different points in their careers, from traditional classroom experiences, to fellowships and executive education. He also spoke about how a “harmonious balance” can be achieved between online and on-site education, with students viewing online lectures on their own and then engaging in discussion and other more active learning in class.
Harvard President Drew Faust highlighted in her remarks public health’s contributions to improving the length and quality of life over the past century through innovations in sanitation, safety, and disease prevention. “It gives us a sense of opportunity and also responsibility. It makes me want to ask what will we all do in the next century that can rival the work — or, we hope, exceed — what was accomplished in the last.”