Millennium education reform in public health: US experiences and lessons for Taiwan

Since the start of the twenty-first century, changes in the global environment have been accompanied by major public health challenges throughoutthe world, and Taiwan is no exception. Education for Public health began inthe United States, and is still the best in the world; however, to meet thenew challenges, the United States has undergone major education reforms in public health since the late 1980s. This paper reviewed the historical development of education for public health in the United States as well as the objectives and strategies for millennium education reform in public health.Based on the American experience, we suggested that reforms in Taiwan startwith re-identification of the education mission for public health and the scope of education reform. This would include establishment of an accreditation system, redesign of curriculum, development of a practicum and practical training, and an examination of the core competencies in public health.