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by Dr. Robert Edinger
Helping Applicants Since 1995 
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Spatial Epidemiology in the Public Health Statement of Purpose, 1st Paragraph Sample, Pacific Islander

 

I aspire to be a spatial epidemiologist, mapping out diseases and developing public health intervention programs that target them as they arise and begin to propagate on a planetary level – so that we can stop them in their tracks.  XXXX’s College of Global Public Health is my first choice for Graduate School for several reasons, especially your fully international perspective, especially rich, interdisciplinary approach to public health issues, and my profound admiration for the research in Spatial Epidemiology undertaken by Dr. XXXX who I see as an ideal thesis or dissertation mentor should I be accepted to your program. A mixed-raced woman born and raised on the Island of Papua New Guinea, I look forward to contributing to the celebration of diversity at XXXX as a Pacific Islander and it is also my hope that being a Pacific Islander will prove beneficial to my career in the future as a spatial epidemiologist, working to map out and fight disease in the Developing Wor

 

Sample 1st Paragraph for the MPH, Volunteer Medical Consultant for NPO

 

I hope to be selected for your distinguished and competitive MPH Program in the USA for several reasons. First, I am an experienced medical doctor from Pakistan who is well versed in the area of public health issues and challenges in my country, one of the most critically important in the world in terms of public health crises and response. Furthermore, I have lived in South Africa since 2012 as a result of my husband’s employment and I have thus learned many valuable things about public health in South Africa, another important part of the world in terms of challenges in Public Health. For the past several years I have stayed busy as both a professional and a volunteer. I work in pathology laboratory primarily as a data analyst and as a volunteer I serve as a medical consultant for a local NPO that provides healthcare assistance to the underserved. Both of these experiences have inspired me to pursue my MPH Degree at XXXX University so as to become a Public Health professional with the highest level of preparation possible.

 

Sample 1st and 2nd Paragraphs for the MPH, African Applicant

 

Since I am an African woman from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, along with my country women I have been discriminated against in nearly all facets of professional society, since it is generally thought that women should remain confined to the world of household chores, cooking, cleaning, and rearing children. Thus, to come as far as I have already has required enormous determination, grit, and confidence that I can indeed excel when given the opportunity.

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Earning the MPH at XXXX will be my crowning achievement that will empower me to become a crusader in Nigeria for those who are the most vulnerable of all. Your program is the perfect option for me to prove my merit and form a foundation for doctoral studies so as to be able, in time, to move to the very top of public health leadership in Nigeria. I will also serve as an excellent, vocal, in fact militant, role model for young women who find themselves chained to the kitchen and the children against their will. 

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Sample 1st Paragraph for the MPH, Iranian Applicant

 

An Iranian-American woman raised in California, I have my sights set on becoming a distinguished psychiatric epidemiologist with a special research interest in both drug dependency and neuropsychology. I especially look forward to learning all that I can about the mental health crisis in underserved communities. I hope to be selected to attend your distinguished MPH Program based on my excellence as a student and my goals for my professional future, especially on behalf of marginalized communities. I look forward to contributing to the diversity of your program as an Iranian woman who is a native speaker of Farsi as well as English.

 

Sample 1st Paragraph for the MPH Degree, Dentist from Bangladesh

 

A dentist from Bangladesh, 29 years old and currently living here in the USA, I hope to earn the MPH Degree here in America so as to better understand the mammoth challenges that we face in Bangladesh with respect to public oral health care, mostly the lack thereof. I am from the front lines with fresh experience in a government hospital where care is free for those who have no means to pay for their treatment. By the time their number came up to finally see me after waiting for weeks, months, many were well on their way towards death and for many more there was simply nothing that I could do as a result of our total lack of resources - other than plead with them to cease using tobacco products. I operated on as many as I could, sometimes dozens a day, and treated a lot of infections.

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Sample 1st Paragraph for the MPH Degree, Doctor from Pakistan

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I am a doctor from Pakistan with almost 10 years of professional experience in health care. While I was still a teenager, my grandmother died of hepatitis C. This was a watershed experience for me and one that launched me upon a course of profound devotion to medicine and a formidable curiosity about everything having to do with public health. While I have very much enjoyed my experiences as a doctor in Pakistan and as a student in pre-residency training here in America, I have long been obsessed with the simple realization that prevention is simply better than cure. For this reason, I want very much to complete the MPH Degree in your innovative program at ____ University, as I am certain that it will make me a much more creative and efficacious doctor, especially with respect to issues in international medicine.

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Sample Research Proposal for Scholarship Application in Public Health, Nigerian Applicant

 

In Nigeria as in most other countries, cardiovascular disease is on the rise, now accounting for approximately 31% of global deaths (Fuster et al., 2010; World Health Organization., 2015). It has been firmly established that while cardiovascular disease is multifactorial, it can be alleviated through good nutrition (Wheatcroft et al., 2005). Most importantly for my purposes evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies suggests that flavanol-rich foods may result in profound cardiovascular health benefits for patients with cardiovascular risk factors and even the presence of disease. A residual cardiovascular risk is estimated to be present in about 50% of those who are correctly treate (Fruchart et al.,2008). Flavanols are a family of biologically active polyphenolic compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea and red wine, so they are widely available.

Vitamin D has been shown to be helpful at improving endothelial function and other cardiovascular risk markers. Vitamin D deficiency, on the other hand, has been linked to pathogenesis of cardiovascular risk markers and the emergence of complications in cardiovascular disease cases. (Ambuj et al., 2015; Harikrishnan et al., 2015). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally with more people dying annually worldwide from CVDs than from any other cause (WHO, 2016). This provides urgency to my research makes me as dedicated as possible.

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Since Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease (Peter Brøndum-Jacobsen et al., 2012), this makes CVDs and Vitamin D deficiency significant Public Health issues and therefore, worth investigating. Thus, I am especially interested in the investigation of how Vitamin D  and dietary Flavonoid supplementation has the potential to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular disease, the dose dependency of dietary flavonoid and Vitamin D supplementation and the respective effects upon cardiovascular disease risk markers, as well as the duration of intervention required to exert changes in humans.The specific objective of my research is to investigate the effects of Dietary Flavonid and Vitamin D supplementation on vascular health and cardiovascular risk markers in healthy subjects through a randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled, cross over chronic intervention protocol that aims to answer the following research hypotheses: Dietary flavonoid and Vitamin D supplementation are generally supportive of healthy vascular function. I also want to pay special attention to the mechanism of action and its bioavailability as well as the minimum dosage required to effect a positive change in vascular function.

 

Are you considering applying to an MPH or DrPH Degree?

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One crucial component of your application is the personal statement, which provides admissions committees with insight into who you are and why you're a great fit for the program. Let's break down how to craft a compelling personal statement.

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Introduction: The Why

Begin your personal statement with a powerful introduction that includes your esperience in Public Health. Start by sharing a personal anecdote or a story that illustrates why you're passionate about your chosen field. It's not just about telling; it's about showing your commitment. For example, discussing how your upbringing in a particular community inspired your career goals can be impactful.

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Reflect on Experiences

Rather than simply listing your experiences and accomplishments, reflect on what you've learned from them. How have these experiences shaped your perspective and your desire to pursue further education? Whether it's volunteer work, internships, or personal challenges, focus on the lessons and insights gained.

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Community and Giving Back

Highlight your commitment to your community or a cause you care deeply about. Admissions committees often value applicants who show a dedication to making a positive impact. Share instances where you've contributed to your community or worked towards social change. This demonstrates your readiness to use your education for the greater good.

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Overcoming Barriers

If you've faced obstacles or challenges, briefly mention them. However, avoid dwelling on negative experiences. Instead, emphasize how you've overcome these barriers and grown stronger as a result. The goal is to showcase resilience and determination.

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Connecting with the Program

Explain why you're interested in the specific program or institution. Mention particular courses, professors, or resources that align with your academic and career goals. Show that you've done your research and that you believe this program is the right place for you to achieve your aspirations.

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Conclusion: The Vision

In your conclusion, tie everything together. Reiterate your passion for Social Work and your desire to contribute positively to society. Leave the reader with a sense of your vision for the future and how the progrm you're applying to will help you to achieve it.

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Remember, your personal statement should be a reflection of your unique journey and aspirations. Make it personal, compelling, and well-structured, and you'll stand out to admissions committees.