Date of Graduation
Summer 8-8-2014
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
First Advisor
Marie-Claude Couture
Second Advisor
Kia M. James
Third Advisor
Courtney Keeler
Abstract
My fieldwork experience took place at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, where I completed over 420 hours of practical experience. My fieldwork focused in the field of mental health, working on disorders management (psychosis, depression and suicide) and evidence-based research, but more specifically focusing on schizophrenia, premature death in severe mental disorders, and maternal mental health. Although my fieldwork focused within these areas, for the purpose of this final report, I have opted to focus on my contributions to the research around schizophrenia and premature death within severe mental disorders. Specifically, I contributed to multiple fact/information sheets for the WHO website around disorders management, as well as contributions toward a paper titled “Living a healthy life with schizophrenia”, which is to be published for World Mental Health day in October 2014.
Having successfully completed a rigorous course load in my graduate and undergraduate education at the University of San Francisco, I was well prepared for the work I undertook. I possessed a strong determination to not only challenge myself with the projects but to ensure I produced high caliber work. As my passions lie within the realm of mental health and public policy, reducing stigma, and bringing about awareness of human rights, regardless of a person’s mental health status, I found myself not only motivated every day, but also eager to devour the information available. My fieldwork placement was the perfect fit and the opportunities it presented and the people I met were irreplaceable.
This Fieldwork Summary Report will provide an overview of the main projects that I worked on, how they were implemented, the end results and public health significance, and the competencies addressed. Additionally, you will find a brief summary of my overall experience at the WHO, including my participation on the WHO Intern Board, and the various professional events I had a chance to attend while living in Geneva.
Recommended Citation
Cross, Anna, "Fieldwork Summary Report-World Health Organization" (2014). Master's Projects and Capstones. 32.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/32
