Program Overview

The Texas DSHS Preventive Medicine Residency is a two-year ACGME-accredited training program that begins at the PGY-2 level. Residents complete academic training in public health and applied practice experiences that prepare them for board certification in Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Year 1 (PM-1): Public Health Foundations

Most residents complete the majority of their Master of Public Health (MPH) coursework during the first year. Residents earn an MPH from UT Health - School of Public Health.

• Core content includes biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health services administration, risk communication, clinical preventive services, and social and behavioral determinants of health. 
• Residents who already hold an MPH complete any remaining required coursework and will begin rotations and research projects.

Year 2 (PM-2): Applied Public Health Practice

The second year consists of 12 months of supervised public health rotations. Residents complete approximately two months in each of the following core domains.

• Biostatistics & Epidemiology
• Clinical Preventive Medicine
• Environmental & Occupational Health
• Health Systems Management & Administration
• Population Health

Rotation Sites

Examples include local FQHCs, Austin Public Health, DSHS Public Health Regions, DSHS Community Health Improvement Division, DSHS Environmental Surveillance and Toxicology Branch, DSHS Healthcare Safety Unit, Texas Center for Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Tyler Occupational Medicine, HHSC Medicaid, and other approved elective experiences.

Additional Learning Activities

Throughout both years, residents participate in following: 

• Quality Improvement Curriculum and Project(s)
• Health Policy Book Club
• Journal Club
• DSHS Grand Rounds
• Infectious Disease and Chronic Disease Lecture Series
• Professional Development Opportunities
• When opportunities arise, residents also participate in outbreak investigations, preparedness activities, community health assessments, and public health response efforts.
• Residents attend at least one state, regional, or national professional meeting during training.