Public health clinical academics are at the forefront of shaping health policies and addressing widespread health challenges. By working across health improvement, health protection and public health, you’ll contribute to improving population health through research, education and practical engagement.
Public health academics are involved in a variety of activities, including research, teaching, mentoring and supporting the public health discipline as a whole. Whether you’re just starting your academic career or aiming for more senior roles, public health offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
What public health clinical academics do
- Develop strategies to promote healthier lifestyles, prevent disease and address health disparities across populations.
- Conduct research on how to protect the public from health threats, including infectious diseases, environmental risks and public health emergencies.
- Aim to improve healthcare systems and ensure they meet the needs of diverse populations, with a focus on equity and accessibility.
Public health academics will likely combine these elements in a range of settings, including universities, healthcare institutions and governmental or non-governmental organisations.
Entry requirements
To begin a career in public health academia, a relevant degree (e.g. medicine, public health, health sciences) or an equivalent professional qualification is essential. Clinical professionals can explore opportunities like Academic Clinical Fellowships or Clinical Lectureships, which may offer out-of-programme years or secondments specifically for public health research.
You may also have the chance to join grant-funded research projects while pursuing a postgraduate qualification in public health or a related field at the host institution.
Gaining experience in public health research, coupled with publications in peer-reviewed journals, will be crucial for advancing into more senior academic roles. Strong research experience and a proven track record of scholarly work will significantly enhance your career prospects.
Building skills and experience
A successful career in public health academia requires a diverse skill set.
Research skills
You will be responsible for planning and conducting research, critically reviewing existing literature and determining the appropriate methodologies. This also includes managing projects, budgets and ensuring ethical compliance.
Teaching and mentoring
Public health academics often deliver lectures, develop course materials and supervise students. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor both students and junior academics while contributing to the educational framework of your institution.
Communication
Communicating your research findings is vital. This includes publishing your work in academic journals, presenting at conferences and engaging with the media or public health agencies to promote your research.
Policy engagement
Understanding how research translates into public health policy is essential. Involving yourself in advisory roles or reviewing research proposals can help bridge the gap between academia and public health practice.
As a public health academic, you will contribute to the discipline through activities such as peer review, external examining and advising funding bodies on which areas of research should be prioritised. You might also play a role in shaping national or international public health education policies and strategies.
