Practice
Public Health Practice
Your Career in Public Health, Activated.
We transform public health through hands-on education and community partnerships. Together, we’re training the next generation of change agents to improve health on a global scale with real world experience.
Students have completed their experience at over:
2,100
sites nationwide
95
sites internationally
Hear from students on their Practice experience
Devin Tennant, BS/MPH
'My internship with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network allowed me to contribute to federal advocacy efforts around cancer prevention, early detection, and equity. I helped develop stakeholder materials for bills, including the PSA for HIM Act, and supported engagements with congressional offices and nationwide partners. Seeing how policy decisions shape real access to care strengthened my passion for health-equity-focused legislation and confirmed my long-term path toward health policy and the law.'
Mariana Grilo, PhD EPAN
'During my practicum at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, I worked on projects supporting nutrition policy recommendations in countries across Africa and Asia, helping partners identify nutrients of public health concern and ultra-processed foods in their food supply, as well as develop advocacy materials. This experience showed me how research can be translated into real-world policy action and strengthened the applied perspective I bring to my dissertation.'
Kiarston Blackman, MPH, Health Promotion
'I completed my practicum with the Latin American Youth Center, where I hosted educational sessions for their annual Summer Youth Employment Program, to design and facilitate a public health curriculum focused on substance use, the social determinants of health, and youth advocacy. My practicum strengthened my skills in program design and delivery, community engagement, and culturally responsive communication, and reaffirmed my passion for working alongside underrepresented groups and advocating for their quality of life. '
Eden Glick, BS EXSC, 2025
'As a Summer Research Intern in the MRC Summer Research Internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado, I conducted an independent research study with the sports medicine team where I examined the long-term outcomes of isolated meniscus tears treated with microfracture/marrow stimulation in pediatric and adolescent patients. This internship continues to provide valuable opportunities; even a year and a half later, I am completing a manuscript draft for this study that we hope to submit for publication in the coming months. '
A New Collaboration Advancing Brain Health Through the Arts
The George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and Washington Performing Arts announced in January 2026 the launch of the NeuroArts Collective, a groundbreaking partnership bringing together the performing arts and public health to advance brain health and social well-being among older adults.
Office of Applied Public Health
The Office of Applied Public Health (OAPH) is the central and dedicated resource that facilitates student access to practice-based education, research and service to strategically enhance and develop professional skills and competencies in contribution to the public health workforce.
Urban Health Fellowship Program
Are you looking to make meaningful change through community engagement while at GW? The Urban Health Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to make an impact in our community.