Western University’s Master of Public Health Program unveils its first casebook to the public, free of charge

Londoner Gracia Mabaya is passionate about providing services for vulnerable populations – from the children she saw dying of treatable diseases in her birth country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to children and adults living in poverty across Canada.

Mabaya is an alumna of the inaugural Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. A former consultant for the World Health Organization, Mabaya works as a knowledge broker and research associate for paediatric neuromuscular research at Children’s Hospital of London Health Sciences Centre.

On August 27, 2015, Mabaya’s case on reducing poverty in Canada will be released along with those of her fellow alumni at the unveiling of the new Western Public Health Casebook at the Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine, Room 1150, Western University, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Western Public Health Casebook compiles 13 of the best cases from the practicum experiences of the inaugural class, covering topics from prenatal genetic screening in Ontario and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh, to examining the economic burden of the mosquito-transmitted disease chikungunya in the Americas.

The Western Public Health Casebook furthers the MPH program’s vision of a world with equitable health care achieved by transforming health care policies and health services delivery.

For Dr. Amardeep Thind, director, Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, making the casebook widely available at no cost is part of the School’s social responsibility. “The case book is unique in that the cases cover a broad spectrum of real life public health issues. More importantly, sharing our knowledge through these cases can benefit society as a whole. Sharing of knowledge should have no barriers, and that is why we have decided to make the casebook available free of charge.”

Mabaya has a global vision of the potential of her work and that of her peers. “We have the responsibility to learn, teach and impact future generations of health care professionals,” said Mabaya. “It is a great honour to influence how health policy will be taught, not just here at Western University or in Canada, but across the world.”

Dr. Amit Chakma, president, Western University and Dr. Michael Strong, dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry will give formal remarks and help launch the Western Public Health Casebook at approximately 1:10 p.m.

Media will have the opportunity to speak with:
Dr. Amardeep Thind, director, Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

MEDIA CONTACT: Tristan Joseph, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.777.1573, tristan.joseph@schulich.uwo.ca

ABOUT WESTERN
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.

ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.