Considering on the Bigger Picture of Public Health: Student Reflections on University Mission

Abstract

Public health remains dedicated to the mission of prolonging life, promoting health, and preventing disease, and with what some may consider theological connections to assisting the poor and needy. The connection of public health and theology derives from the historical role and training of clergy taking care of the marginalized and underserved worldwide. Today, Brigham Young University (BYU), a university founded and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), along with other faith-based universities try to tie student academic experience to a strong university mission. Consequently, BYU develops program curricula with the university mission and aims as guiding principles within each offered course. Innate in the mission and aims of BYU is the effort to help students achieve academic excellence and realize their human potential. This article presents a way to explore critical reflection within the academic training of future public health professionals using religious topics, as it relates to the university mission, for classroom discussion. Reflection in the classroom setting is used to promote character and career development for public health students. Through instructor-led discussion, students are encouraged to expand their abilities to internalize public health related information while cultivating innovative thinking and connections to fellow students. Suggestions for reflection activity application with instructor-led discussion are provided while exploring different settings and topics in which the recommended reflection practice can be developed and applied within private and public academic settings.