Preventive Medicine Residency Program

Introduction

The New York State Preventive Medicine Residency Program is jointly sponsored by the New York State Department of Health and the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Public Health. It prepares physicians for leadership careers in public health, providing a broad background in the academic and practical skills necessary to work effectively in the field.

The primary educational setting -- the New York State Department of Health -- is the one of the nation's largest, most comprehensive state health departments. Because of the wealth of programs operated by the Department, residents can tailor their course of study to meet their own interests in public health, with many dedicated public health professionals available to serve as advisors, teachers, and role models.

Recently, our program came up with our "Top Ten Prevention Tips" - health tips to help prevent diseases and improve health.

We are now offering a special track in Cancer Prevention, supported by a grant from the American Cancer Society. The new track is open to any physician meeting our general admissions requirements who has a strong interest in cancer prevention and control. Residents chosen for this track will focus on cancer-related topics during their MPH coursework and practicum rotations, including such topics as cancer screening, tobacco control, physical activity promotion, epidemiology of AIDS-related cancers, and cancer surveillance. They will also have opportunities to work with the Northeast Division of the American Cancer Society, which is headquartered in Albany.
Residents interested in this track should check the Cancer Prevention box on the application form and should describe their cancer-related interests and experience in their personal statement.


Medical Student Elective Opportunity

The NYS Preventive Medicine Residency Program offers a 1-3 month elective experience (click here for description) for third and fourth-year medical students. The elective introduces students to the practice of public health at the state or county level, and it provides them with opportunities to conduct public health projects tailored to their interests. Students attend weekly seminars with preventive medicine residents and participate in monthly journal club and occasional field trips. They carry out a core project dealing with a current health department priority. Projects address issues such as teen pregnancy, vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer prevention, occupational asthma, or childhood lead poisoning. If you need the application form you can find it here (note: link opens word document). For further information, please contact us.