The Cambridge Public Health Department and the Institute for Community Health sponsored the first "Real World Public Health" Seminar for graduate public health students from Boston University, Harvard University, and Tufts University on April 13, 2004.  Cambridge Chief Public Health Officer, Harold Cox and ICH Executive Director, Dr. Karen Hacker, envisioned giving public health students their best educational experience ever by providing students with "hands on" learning. Through interactive workshops students had an opportunity to experience how public health concepts of assessment, assurance, and policy development are put into practice in the real world. Expanding upon the "Real World" theme, a panel discussion with directors from surrounding public health departments exposed students to a variety of perspectives.

Over forty students and faculty attended the seminar.  From the welcoming greeting by Dennis Keefe, CEO of CHA, to the last cookie crumbs of the networking lunch, students, faculty and staff engaged in lively exchanges of ideas, and problem solving. The networking lunch allowed students, faculty, and staff to meet each other informally. Students commented on how rarely they had the opportunity to meet their colleagues from other schools and how truly unique was the chance to meet the 'real' professionals directly.

One attendee commented: "Most of my public health background has been in research. It is a relief to know there is so much more out there!" Other evaluation comments indicated increased awareness of the relationship between politics and public health policy, the importance of keeping collaborations with other departments alive, and improved understanding of the decision-making processes.

Faculty members from HSPH, BUSPH, and Tufts University and ICH and CPHD staff were unanimously enthusiastic about this relationship between academia and public health and look forward to planning for future seminars. Many thanks to Jeff Walker, CPHD Special Projects Coordinator, Lan Jenner, ICH Manager of Education, and consultant Gail B. Gall for taking charge of organizing a successful event!