Faculty of Public Health

Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is a professional body in the United Kingdom dedicated to the promotion and improvement of public health and healthcare policy and practice. It is a Royal Chartered organization, signifying its recognition and authority in the field of public health. The FPH plays a crucial role in setting standards for public health professionals, providing education and training, and advocating for public health issues on a national and international level.

History

The Faculty of Public Health was established in 1972, following the reorganization of the public health function in the UK. It was formed from the merger of the Royal College of Physicians' Diploma in Public Health and the Royal Society of Health's Diploma in Public Health. This merger aimed to unify the standards and training for public health professionals. Since its inception, the FPH has been instrumental in developing and promoting public health policies, research, and education.

Functions and Objectives

The primary functions of the Faculty of Public Health include:

• Setting standards for professional training and qualifications in public health.
• Accrediting public health specialists and overseeing continuing professional development.
• Advocating for public health issues to influence policy and practice.
• Conducting research and providing guidance on public health matters.
• Offering educational programs and resources for public health professionals.

The objectives of the FPH are to protect and improve the public's health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities, and ensure the provision of effective health and public health services.

Membership

Membership to the Faculty of Public Health is open to professionals working in the field of public health, including those in training positions. There are different categories of membership, including Student, Associate, Member (MFPH), and Fellow (FFPH), each with specific eligibility criteria. Membership provides access to a range of resources, networks, and professional development opportunities.

Training and Education

The FPH oversees the training of public health specialists in the UK. It sets the curriculum for public health training and administers the Membership of the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH) examination, a key milestone for public health professionals seeking to become fully qualified. The FPH also provides a range of educational resources and events for continuous professional development.

Public Health Advocacy

The Faculty of Public Health actively engages in advocacy to influence public health policy and practice. It works with government bodies, health organizations, and other stakeholders to promote public health issues, including health inequalities, environmental health, and disease prevention.

Research and Publications

The FPH supports and conducts research in various public health areas, contributing to the evidence base for effective public health interventions. It publishes guidance, reports, and policy statements on public health issues. Additionally, the FPH publishes the Journal of Public Health, a peer-reviewed publication featuring research and commentary on public health issues.

Challenges and Future Directions

The Faculty of Public Health faces challenges such as adapting to changing public health needs, addressing health inequalities, and ensuring the public health workforce is adequately trained and resourced. Future directions include focusing on global public health issues, integrating public health more closely with other healthcare disciplines, and leveraging technology to improve public health outcomes.