Recognising 40 years of public health at Flinders University

For Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Interim Discipline Group Lead of Public Health, Flinders University working in public health is a broad and rewarding career.

Originally studying to become a psychologist, after working within the epidemiology branch at SA Health, Professor Bowden came to realise the important role public health can play in improving the lives of populations, both nationally and internationally.

“I studied a Master of Public Health and PhD. I am still thankful I chose this career path, because you can work across such a diverse range of roles – from research to advocacy, to practice, to government – and they all have their benefits,” says Professor Bowden.

When Flinders developed its first public health courses 40 years ago, the primary focus was controlling infectious diseases, reducing maternal and child mortality, motor vehicle safety, and starting to tackle the rise of chronic diseases.

Over the past four decades there have been significant changes in public health, driven by advancements in science, technology, policy and our understanding of community health. Global disease surveillance, big data and analytics, vaccine development, digital health, equity, and environmental health are now important areas of focus.

“We are proud that our course topics and content are at the forefront of topical areas in public health.”

Professor Bowden believes Flinders stands out from other educational institutions for many reasons.

“One, because of the friendly and approachable nature of our education team. We are also conducting some very exciting world-leading research which is exemplified by the increasing number of grants won by our very talented researchers and academics,” says Professor Bowden.

“The research we undertake is vital in informing policy makers, and developing public health interventions that have the bigger aim of improving health for all.”

“We have eight diverse teams within public health, including an expert health economics team, an international point of care testing team doing frontline work in remote communities, the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), and many First Nations’ researchers. It’s exciting that through studying public health at Flinders, you can also undertake a placement, and may even get a job at the University in one of the teams.

“I’m so pleased that we can host students within the NCETA where my research team is based. This enables students to get a sense of what it is like working in a research environment and ways they can contribute to research.”

For Professor Bowden, connecting with students and helping them achieve their career aspirations within public health is a highlight of her role.

“I feel so privileged to work in public health at Flinders, which is educating the next generation of public health professionals. I can’t wait to see the impact that the next 40 years of public health at Flinders will have.”

The College of Medicine and Public Health will officially celebrate 40 Years of public health with an event in 2025. Details will be shared with alumni closer to the date.

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2024 Vital Connections College of Medicine and Public Health Medicine

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