A E R OS PAC E M ED
“In nearly two decades of its existence, UWF Public Health has gained national and international recognition, drawing students and graduates from all over the world.” — Dr. Justice Mbizo, professor in the Department of Public Health
HEALTH CARE
impact the people on board including health care, food sanitation and operational hazard mitigation. To prepare students for future leadership roles, UWF has focused on building a strong Argo– Aerospace Medicine pipeline through the UWF Master of Public Health program and the Navy Aerospace Medicine Residency at the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute at NAS Pensacola. “As an experienced primary care physician, I was surprised at how much I needed fundamental training in public health to be effective in the role of CVN SMO,” Elliot said. “The public health needs of the CVN are formidable and require a diligent professional with a solid understanding of public health principles in order to adapt to the unique CVN environment and the unique needs of its crew. I felt well prepared for this role. The dedication of the UWF public health team to ensuring that this training is possible is nothing short of inspiring.” Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Justice Mbizo, professor in the Department of Public Health who instituted the current pipelines for MPH students coming in from the military, UWF has become the site of MPH training for most residents in aerospace medicine. The MPH program trains military physicians with both military and civil medical organizations, as well as participation in research.
FOOD SANITATION
OPERATIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION
“Students learn competencies that include disease prevention, health promotion, disaster preparedness and program implementation,” Mbizo said. “Public health is a team science, so it is also important that our students develop core interpersonal relationship skills.” Since the partnership with the UWF MPH program and the Army and Navy began, 58 Army residents in aerospace medicine and 114 Navy residents in aerospace medicine have received their MPH training at UWF. Mbizo says this is only the beginning of a flourishing program. “The future for UWF’s MPH program is bright and will sustain because it is a vibrant and catalytic force for greater social good,” Mbizo said. “In nearly two decades of its existence, UWF Public Health has gained national and international recognition, drawing students and graduates from all over the world whose diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the learning environment for everyone. The cardinal rule of the program remains the same – we build bridges, interpersonal relationships and value all people while we prepare them for a career in helping others.”
Spring 2026
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