Excellence in Public Health Award (COMP)

GRADUATE AWARD and HONORS & RECOGNITION AWARD
The Excellence in Public Health Award is a national award which recognizes medical students who are public health champions, advancing the US Public Health Service mission to protect, promote and advance the health and safety of our nation, and who are helping address public health issues in their community. Since 2012, the Excellence in Public Health Award has been given by the USPHS to inspire medical students to commit themselves to public health and to become leaders in the field. Each campus will select one nominee for this award.

Applicants will be evaluated to determine the extent to which they have demonstrated excellence and dedication to one or more of the following achievements while enrolled at COMP:

• Development and implementation of programs that advance the overarching goals and achieve the objectives of Healthy People 2030. More information on Healthy People 2030 can be accessed at https://www.health.gov/healthypeople
• Development and implementation of programs that address The Surgeon General’s Priorities. Information can be accessed at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities/prevention/strategy/index.html
• Participation in programs that support the philosophy and/or goals of the U.S. Public Health Service as articulated in the specific objectives of Healthy People 2030 and/or The Surgeon General’s Priorities.
• Accomplishments of a single outstanding act of significant benefit to a medically underserved community.
• Completion of research that adds to the knowledge base needed to advance the goals of Healthy People 2030 and/or The Surgeon General’s Priorities.
• Conduct applied public health activities in collaboration with local, state, or federal public health agencies to investigate health threats, implement control measures, and recommend preventive actions.

Nominations will also be evaluated based on the level of leadership demonstrated, the impact of the student’s work, and the student’s commitment to a career in public health/preventive medicine.

This award is open to second-, third-, and fourth-year students. The student will need to submit a packet adhering to the following guidelines:

United States Public Health Service
Physician Professional Advisory Committee
202 6 Excellence in Public Health Award

Information Sheet
The student should be evaluated to determine the extent to which they have demonstrated excellence and dedication to one or more of the following achievements while enrolled in your medical school.
1. Development and implementation of programs that contribute to Building a Healthier, Stronger America ( https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html; https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf; https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WH-The-MAHA-Report-Assessment.pdf)
- Active Lifestyles
- Sleep and Stress Management
- Environmental Toxin Reduction
- Screen Time Limits/Youth Mental Health
- Food Health Policy
- Infant Formula Safety
- Autism
2. Participation in programs that support the philosophy and/or goals of the U.S. Public Health Service to “protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.”
3. Accomplishments of a single outstanding act of significant benefit to a medically underserved community. Examples could be projects supporting improved access to health services through advocacy or outreach efforts.
4. Completion of research that adds to the knowledge base needed to advance the goals of Building a Healthier, Stronger America.
5. Conduct applied public health activities in collaboration with local, state, or federal public health agencies to
investigate health threats, implement control measures, and recommend preventive actions (e.g., assisting with outbreak investigation, analyzing surveillance data, and developing guidance documents).

Please limit your applications to a maximum of three Graduate Awards and three Honors & Recognition Awards. Applications exceeding these limits will not be considered.

Prohibition of AI-Generated Content
To maintain academic integrity and ensure the authenticity of work, the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly GO, Bard, or similar) to produce, rewrite, or substantially edit content in submissions is strictly prohibited. All submitted work must reflect the student’s own original thinking, analysis, and expression. Any use of AI-generated material will be considered a violation of academic honesty policies and may result in disqualification of award application.

Award amounts granted may vary each year depending on available funding.

Notice of Non-discrimination
In accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, Western University of Health Sciences (Western U) is committed to ensuring a campus community free from unlawful discrimination. Western U strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in all its programs, activities, admissions, and employment. This policy applies to all aspects of the university, including education programs, employment, admissions, and any other Western U activities