Building leadership skills through applied learning in an MPH program

Abstract

Strong leadership capacity, including both knowledge of leadership theories and having the requisite leadership skills, is essential for effective public health practice in an increasingly complex and politically challenging environment. Master of Public Health programs are well-positioned to provide this leadership training to future leaders. Using high impact educational practices and principles of adult learning, Virginia Tech’s Public Health Program created a master’s level Public Health Leadership and Interprofessionalism class. Topics covered include leadership, interprofessionalism, negotiation, ethics and professionalism, adaptive leadership, systems thinking, models of team effectiveness, communication, change management, workplace diversity, strategic planning and personal leadership. All students completed a baseline self-assessment for all program competencies upon program matriculation and again at the time of their graduation. We found a statistically significant increase in all competencies covered in the leadership class. In addition, we identified five overall topics that students said were crucial in their public health practice: understanding strengths-based leadership, focusing on dynamics of team effectiveness and team roles, understanding the role of communication as a leadership tool, and applying negotiation and interprofessionalism skills. Overall, we have evidence that the class was effective and provided students with concrete skills that they can refer back to once they enter the public health workforce.