“Is occupational health and safety the field for you?”

That’s the question a group of undergraduates in the College of Public Health’s Summer Institute in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) pondered from June 9-14.

 

 

Hosted on the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, the weeklong program introduced participants to OHS experts in the college and Tampa Bay area.  Through a series of lectures, laboratory sessions, and field experiences, students learned how OHS professionals are trained to treat and prevent occupational illnesses, why illness occurs in the workplace, and how to make the workplace a safer environment.

“We want to show students not only that this field exists, but that it is an important part of public health, and that there are great opportunities to further their education and to have successful careers,” said Rene’ R. Salazar, PhD, CIH, assistant professor and director of the summer institute.

Funded by the Sunshine Education and Resource Center, the Institute covers all tuition, fees, housing, food, and travel for participants.

WUSF’s University Beat recently featured the Summer Institute in Occupational Health and Safety.  Click here to download audio from the radio broadcast or here to read the full story.

The USF College of Public Health offers concentrations in occupational health and safety that lead to MPH, MSPH, and PhD degrees. Most recently, the college launched an online MPH in health, safety and environment.

To learn more about the Institute’s endeavors, visit their webpage or contact Dr. Salazar at rsalaza5@health.usf.edu.

Photos by Ellen Kent, USF College of Public Health

Related media:

Summer Institute in Occupational Health and Safety slideshow

USF Shows Students Promise of Occupational Safety & Health Fields