September 19, 2014

Meet Public Health Fellow Kyle Bruce, DPM.

APMA’s Public Health Fellowship allows one deserving podiatrist to spend a year studying at the Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice (TDI). Recently, Kyle Bruce, DPM, became the second DPM to earn this prestigious honor.

The fellowship was developed by the Public Health and Preventive Podiatric Medicine Committee (PHPPMC) of APMA, together with TDI, and established for the benefit and further educational enrichment of podiatrists with an interest in public health. The curriculum is designed to provide the fellow with fundamental skills, knowledge base, and philosophical foundation in health policy and clinical practice, with specific attention paid to public health, clinical/health services research, and health-care leadership. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Bruce will receive full tuition benefits as well as a stipend to assist with living expenses. Upon completion of the 12-month program, he will receive a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Dartmouth Medical School.

“The fellowship at TDI caught my eye because it looked to be perfect for my strengths and interests in educating patients as well as medical colleagues,” he said. “I’m a big-picture thinker, and this path allows me to explore and research ways to improve patient awareness of podiatry and preventive foot care, conduct reviews to determine best practices in our field, and understand better the decision making behind policy changes in medicine.”

The MPH program at Dartmouth explores the interface between traditional public health and the US health-care system. Using an evidence-based approach focused on health outcomes and methods of analysis common to public health, MPH students gain an understanding of the medical care and public health systems. With analytic tools of biostatistics, epidemiology, and research methods, students learn to apply methods of quality improvement to initiate change, translate research findings into action, improve care and access to care, and develop strategies to advance population health. Dr. Bruce is already immersing himself within the program.

“Less than three weeks in and already I have several projects underway involving improving walkability in metro areas, finding ways to reduce opioid usage, and smartphone-based walking programs for overweight adults. My classmates I’ve found to be very friendly, engaging, and active, as well, so there have been many great get-togethers.” 

Read more about Dr. Bruce in the October issue of Your APMA. The deadline to apply for the 2015–2016 fellowship is November 7. If you have any questions about the program, contact James Christina, DPM, APMA director of Scientific Affairs.

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