Work Abroad and International Career Advisor

Public Health Careers

An Alternative Career Path in the Less Developed Nations

By Bob Sanborn

The need is great for specialists in international affairs in Third World countries. Those interested in health issues can readily find training and interesting international work in the field of public health. In speaking with graduates of public health programs I found that all who want to go abroad to work generally do. This is in contrast to other internationally related graduate degrees in which many students end up working in international jobs in the United States with the hope of eventually going abroad. But despite the demand, good academic preparation, special skills, and experience are all important.

Preparation. A number of factors go into preparing and positioning yourself to be the ideal candidate for a Third World health position. Candidates should have a master of public health degree from a reputable school, preferably one with an emphasis on international or developing world public health. As you pursue your degree, remember that the greatest strength you have will be in your particular skills. A joint degree in international affairs or public policy will substantially add to the your appeal. Work or internship experience--especially in one of the larger public health organizations or with a local government agency dealing with international issues--is important. The Peace Corps or similar work, time spent living or studying abroad as opposed to simply traveling, and experience in less developed nations are all helpful.

Where should you seek your degree? Currently there is no list of the top schools of international public health. However, such a list would include the master of public health programs at Columbia, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, and Tulane. Whatever school you choose, make sure that the training is international in nature, that internships are available, and that the program has a good record of placement in international work. Joint programs in international affairs or public policy are a plus.

Where are the jobs? Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe have the greatest need for those interested and trained in international public health. Infant mortality and population issues, sanitation, and the spread of contagious diseases are the central health problems in the African countries. Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union need people in refugee relief and related problems. Asia has many of the same health problems as Eastern Europe and Africa. Vietnam will have a particularly critical need for health care workers in the next few years. Controlling AIDS is a big part of the public health agenda for many Asian countries.

While public health is often the most direct route to working abroad, a number of other medical specialties are also in great demand overseas. These include physicians, nurses, and nutrition experts. International and government agencies like Doctors Without Borders, an active organization working with doctors, and the World Health Organization are among the largest employers.

One of the drawbacks to an international career has always been the problem of converting international experience into a job upon returning to the U.S. This has been especially true for those working in the developing world. However, this is not an issue in public health work, which is still very much needed in the U.S. Those with skills in population control, sanitation, AIDS, and other areas in the whole range of public health issues are very employable in our own domestic Third World.