“My experience in the Lakehead University Master of Public Health program has been nothing short of exceptional. From coursework and educational guidance to my practicum experience, I found a program and community that aligned with my personal values and expanded my perspective on health, health systems, and my own professional practice.
As an educator of Health Sciences students, my MPH practicum at the Dalhousie School of Social Work Community Clinic provided me with experiences I can bring to my teaching and share with colleagues. These include upstream approaches to health, the influence of trust on healthcare access and experiences, the social determinants of health, the unique needs of specific populations, and the importance of community, relationships, and interprofessional collaboration. My practicum also reinforced the value of interprofessional learning and how much we can improve our own practices by expanding our professional lenses and learning from the knowledge and experiences of other professions.
My practicum research project focused on mistrust in healthcare among marginalized populations and its influence on healthcare access, utilization, and health outcomes. The Nova Scotia Health Equity Framework became an important part of this work. It encouraged me to consider how health equity initiatives can be translated into health professions education and clinical practice. I hope to incorporate my research findings into my teaching and encourage students to reflect on how health equity initiatives can inform their approaches to patient care.
One finding from my literature review was the role of peer support in building trust in healthcare. This made me reflect on the peer mentorship program I facilitate at the Dalhousie University School of Health Sciences and how concepts and approaches from my practicum could further support relationship-building, collaboration, and community among Health Sciences students.
My practicum has created opportunities to continue developing and sharing my research. I am working toward submitting my literature review for publication and have been invited by my Field Supervisor to present my research as a guest lecturer in the fall. These opportunities will allow me to continue sharing what I learned during my MPH.
My MPH has strengthened my ability to connect my experience in healthcare and education with a broader public health perspective. I look forward to continuing to apply this perspective to work that advances evidence-informed practice, health equity, and trust in health systems.”
-Erin Haverson, Master of Public Health, 2026
