Dartmouth MPH Program Celebrates National Public Health Week 2026
The Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine Master of Public Health (MPH) program recently celebrated National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2026, recognized each April by the American Public Health Association. The week, organized by MPH Student Government, brought together students, faculty, alumni, and public health leaders to explore pressing health challenges, reflect on the impact of the field, and strengthen connections across the community.
Programming began on Monday, April 6, with a networking panel that provided students the opportunity to connect with alumni and public health professionals, offering insights into diverse career paths and the evolving role of practitioners in local and global contexts. Throughout the week, students also participated in a range of events, including Protecting the Mental Health of Health Workers: From Education to Retention, hosted in partnership with the Dickey Center for International Understanding, a fireside chat and Public Health Trivia Night, and the annual NPHW Global Health Fellows 5K Run, all of which fostered learning and community-building. Local restaurant BocaSoca Mexican Grill donated food in support of Saturday’s Public Health documentary screening, Poisoned.
The week featured a series of keynote speakers and discussions. On Thursday, students gathered for a keynote conversation with Dr. Ivan Oransky, moderated by hybrid MPH candidate Jayden Tabor. The session featured a 60-minute discussion and Q&A on the importance of transparency in evolving scientific research.
Accessibility and inclusion were key priorities throughout the week. All events and discussions were offered with Zoom options, allowing Dartmouth’s Online and Hybrid MPH students to participate alongside their residential peers. Hybrid students also joined the NPHW 5K virtually, running in support of public health efforts from across the country and reinforcing a shared sense of purpose across program delivery formats.
For the Residential MPH Student Government in particular, the week was both a learning experience and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Dartmouth Community. Residential MPH Student Government President Raman Mohan reflected on the significance of NPHW:
“Public Health Week means a lot to us because it gives us the chance to highlight important health issues and celebrate the growth of the public health field. It reminds us why this work matters and the impact it has on our communities.
It was great being part of the planning for this week. We spent a lot of time doing community outreach to help spread the word about our events. It was great working alongside my classmate Shannon Staples, our NPHW Student Government Representative, to bring everything together for the community.”
NPHW has once again provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and reflection. Through a combination of educational programming and community engagement, Dartmouth students underscore the importance of public health and their commitment to improving the well-being of communities worldwide.
Written by: Mia Soucy
