Hello there! WONDERING WHY ‘WHO’ AFTER BDS?
Let us gain a brief understanding about this topic! The World Health Organization [WHO] is dedicated organization and an exclusive body of United States which has contributed itself for the global health care and global public health. Geneva, Switzerland, is a home to WHO’s headquarter. The organization functions through six regional offices. The South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) oversees India, with its headquarters based in New Delhi.
What is the motive behind this organization and for whom do they work?
The actual aim of the World Health Organization [WHO] is to accomplish the ‘superior health status’ and ‘advanced health standards’ so ones being in medical field should know the definition of health which says; “A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
There’s lot to ask! So, how do they achieve the optimal health status? Lets gain some insights.
- By promoting the health care needs.
- By emphasizing the prevention and control of epidemic and endemic illness.
- By promoting and training the people of underprivileged regions and countries about the disease control at community level, through the implementation of public health campaigns.
- By involving the team in establishing and contributing into research for medical treatment.
- And maintaining the international protocol by collecting the data worldwide for the disease prevention.
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How dentist can contribute in WHO programs?
It is often regarded by medical experts that oral health serves as a gateway to all systemic disease. So, oral health houses mouth, teeth and all the remaining orofacial structures which helps to perform some essential functions for better well-being.
Coming to the point, among the most prevalent oral diseases dental caries, gum-related conditions, congenital anomalies like cleft lip and cleft palate and oral cancers commonly due to alcoholism and tobacco has peaked the range of oral disorder. Not just these, according the latest data and survey of WHO Cancrum oris in non technical word it is called as Noma which is a gangrenous disease of orofacial region and is said as Neglected tropical disease (NTD) seen in malnutrition children in absolute poverty and poor oral hygiene.
Taking this into consideration, We can look at the ways dentists can support WHO’s initiatives.
- Being a oral health specialist, one has a command in diagnosing, treating and developing the treatment strategy for the oral disease outbreak and dental conditions.
- A dentist’s understanding of community health dentistry enables them to contribute through participation in surveys, data gathering, and research work.
- By working as a volunteer in public health sector, implementing an educational campaign and promoting in public on oral health care.
- Great leadership abilities in a dentist contribute to leading professional teams for oral health program management and planning while providing effective public guidance.
- Superior clinical expertise is crucial for WHO roles,as they aid in identifying the root cause and developing effective treatment plans.
How BDS Graduates Can Build a Career in WHO?
To join the World Health Organization, it’s important to have strong management skills, as well as a solid understanding of public health dentistry. The dentist has a knowledge of epidemiology, survey conduction, understanding health policies, and research work. Fluency in English is must, and having a basic grasp of other official WHO languages, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese, can be an added advantage.
Fresh graduates can boost their desire of joining WHO by involving themselves in community work, research programs, and promoting NGO campaigns during their internships. Participating in short-term courses in public health dentistry can further enhance their skills.
Pathways to join WHO after BDS
Job opportunities vary depending on one’s qualifications and eligibility accordingly.
Addressing the direct job options
- TECHNICAL OFFICER FOR ORAL HEALTH.
The key responsibilities of this position is to develop and implement health policies and treatment strategies, inculcating self into research and data analysis and conduct studies, and providing fact-based evidence.
Beyond this, they organize global training sessions and collaborate with government and other health care agencies.
2. PUBLIC HEALTH CONSULTANT AND HEALTH POLICY ANALYST.
Public health consultants focus on promoting healthcare and their needs for better well being and underlining the importance of hygiene through training programs. Additionally, they commit to rule-out the disease and develop solution which is identified across different regions also provide guidance for government and other organization about controlling the outbreak of disease.
On the other hand, health policy analysts plays an important role in developing and implementing healthcare policies and regulations at both regional and global levels and make sure of adequate reach to other healthcare services.
3. EPIDMIOLOGIST.
Taking about this position in simpler way, they work on surveys, data collection and commitment towards research works and monitoring the disease spread and work on controlling and prevention of disease. They work on both oral and general health of a being.
To get into this job, one should have higher qualification such as master’s in public health dentistry or MPH where these degrees are provide valuable experience in research and paper works and other essential areas.
- Addressing the indirect job options:
Getting into WHO jobs just after the graduation is quite tacky, but there are other ground level jobs at WHO where it is beneficial for freshly graduates and can enhance the possibility to get into WHO technical jobs.
- WHO INTERNSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS.
During a WHO internship, individuals play an active role by supporting research projects, gathering data, field visits, and promoting healthcare initiatives. They also contribute to disease prevention efforts, particularly focusing on conditions associated with extreme poverty, like noma in which WHO is lately working on control and prevent this disease, and assist in tobacco control programs.
Along the way, interns gain experience in understanding how policies, laws, and regulations are developed. They also get the chance to attend conferences and workshops, gaining deeper insights into global healthcare challenges and public health priorities.
Talking about the WHO Fellowship, they are designed for individuals with professional experience and additional qualifications who seek to further specialize in the public health field.
Some well-known fellowship programs include:
- PAHO (Pan American Health Organization).
- WHO GHWN (Global Health Workforce Network).
Purpose of the Fellowship
- Provide refined training in public health areas.
- Foster collaboration with various organizations and actively participate in healthcare campaigns.
- Equip participants with knowledge in research methodologies, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Now, what are the basic requirements and eligibility to apply for WHO jobs:
- A an undergraduate or master’s degree is required.
- significant public health experience with skills in epidemiology, health policy, and advocacy is essential.
- Strong leadership, management, and research skills are highly valued. Taking short-term certification courses in areas like epidemiology, research methodology, or health policy can also boost your qualifications and increase your chances of joining the organization.
How to apply for WHO jobs?
Stellis serves as a dedicated platform for applying to job opportunities at the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides access to job vacancies, notifications, and application updates. Follow these steps to apply for a position:
- Go to the official WHO website at www.who.int/careers.
- Click on the “Careers” tab seen on the homepage.
- Select “Apply for Job Positions” and proceed to the External Candidate Access page.
- Use suitable keywords like “Public Health,” “Epidemiologist,” or any related terms and enter the location where you desire to work.
- On the other hand, click on “View All Jobs” to glance all open positions worldwide.
- Select the role and click on the “Apply” button.
Note; To complete your application, simply follow the prompts and submit your CV, cover letter, and any other required documents.
After submitting the application, the selected candidates had to get ready for the written assessment and get shortlisted accordingly and further more they had to go through an interview with panel of experts which may be in person or a virtual.
The individual has to have a in-depth knowledge on the respective field I.e research, field work, healthcare promotions, epidemiology etc. Finally selected candidates will receive an appointment letter further proceed for a reporting.
Reaching to its conclusion, direct jobs at WHO is a great options for those who has a higher qualification but for freshly graduated dentist it offers a great working experience by providing fellowships and internship program. Doing an internship at WHO can enhance your CV, provide valuable work experience, and make it easier to pursue a Master’s in Public Health Dentistry, Hospital Management, or related fields.
Preparation and gaining experience are essential for securing a desired career. I wholeheartedly dedicate this quote to the readers in connection with this topic.
If you are having any questions, feel free to comment it below and I will try my best to respond as soon as possible.
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