Personal and Public Health Philosophy
Your Personal and Public Health Philosophy summarizes your values, beliefs, attitudes,
principles, and concepts as related to health and your chosen profession. In drafting your own
philosophy, consider the individuals, factors, and experiences in your life that have influenced
the development of your philosophy of health. Think about what a public health professional
does, and what the results of his or her work should be. Review the predominant philosophies as
listed in the provided reading (pages 85–86) and select the one that fits most with your personal
and professional goals. If you are not majoring in Community and Public Health, be sure to
explain how public health relates to your discipline/profession and how you will incorporate it
into your career. Your philosophy should be 500–750 words, follow APA formatting, and be
based on the outline below.
Personal Health – include discussion of the following:
• In your view, what does it mean to be healthy?
• What are your health–related responsibilities and obligations to yourself?
• What are your health–related responsibilities and obligations to your community?
• What do you expect your community to do to help you be healthy?
Public Health – include discussion of the following:
• What is public health and what does it mean to be a professional in this field?
• What are your goals for yourself and your profession?
• Which of the predominant philosophies from the provided reading fits most with your
personal and professional goals and why?
• How do you want to impact your community?
