California Department of Health Services

Director: Kathleen H. Acree, MD, MPH
Chronic Disease Control Branch
1616 Capitol Avenue, MS 7213
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: 916.552.9900
Fax: 916.552.9729
E-mail: kacree@dhs.ca.gov                                     Internet: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/cdcb/pds/pmrp/index.htm

Total Number of Residents: 3

Tracks/Areas of Emphasis:
Administration
Epidemiology
Public Health Practice

Post Graduate Prerequisites: Completion of an
ACGME accredited clinical year (PGY1)

Academic Year: Stipend $35,000/year

Practicum Year: Salary $50,000/year

Degree(s) Awarded: MPH

Combined Training with Other Programs:
Not Available

Program Description: This training program is organized on a broad basis to furnish training in various specialty fields including epidemiology, health services administration, and chronic/communicable disease prevention and control, and environmental health. The Department provides a coordinated, comprehensive, and progressively graded education over a two-year period, integrating multi-level institutional services and training resources in general preventive medicine and public health. The residency training sponsored by the California Department of Health Services is directed primarily toward training of physicians to assume of leadership roles in California public health agencies. Physicians also have the opportunity to concentrate on an area within the field of general preventive medicine.

Academic training leading to an MPH degree is provided at one of several schools of public health in California, including the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Los Angeles; and the San Diego State University. The field training includes participation in preventive medicine and public health programs offered by approved county health agencies or the California Department of Health Services. Thus residents can receive training throughout California.

Preceptorships are coordinated and provided by physicians certified in general preventive medicine/public health. The California Department of Health Services residency program is supported by federal and state funds. Applicants must be U.S. permanent residents or citizens, and must hold (or be in the process of applying for) a California medical license.

There is a continuing need for physicians to become well trained in public health practice to assume leadership positions in public health agencies in California. In addition, in light of the events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent anthrax bioterrorism events, public health agencies need public health physicians trained and prepared to respond to future bioterrorism events.

We have been successful in our goal to produce public health physician leaders. Of our 87 graduates, 69% are currently working in national, state, or local public health agencies.