Building the foundations for impact in global healthcare: MIHMEP’s core course in Epidemiology and Public Health

Guest lecture by Dr. Anthony Manyara brings real-world insights to MIHMEP’s Epidemiology and Public Health Course

Healthcare

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The first term of SDA Bocconi’s Master in International Healthcare Management, Economics and Policy (MIHMEP) is dedicated to grounding students in the essential knowledge required to navigate and influence the healthcare sector effectively. Among the key courses leading students from September to December is ‘Epidemiology and Issues in Public Health’.

Led by Dr. Oriana Ciani, Associate Professor of Practice in the Government, Health & Not-for-Profit Division and researcher in the Health Economics & HTA group at the Center for Research on Health and Social Care Management, the module introduces the core principles and methods of epidemiology.

As the study of health patterns, determinants and disease spread in populations, epidemiology forms the backbone of public health strategies, healthcare policies and clinical practices, offering a framework for designing, collecting and analyzing data that help us understand disease dynamics.

On November 12^th, MIHMEP welcomed guest lecturer Dr. Anthony Manyara, an esteemed Epidemiologist in Global Health and Ageing from the University of Bristol, UK. Dr. Manyara delivered an in-depth session on observational studies – particularly cohort and case-control studies – which are fundamental for identifying links between risk factors and health outcomes.

Through his lecture, students explored the different aspects of observational study design, including data analysis, interpretation and an evaluation of the strengths and limitations inherent to these methodologies. To further develop their critical thinking, they engaged in a practical exercise where they appraised two published observational studies, deepening their understanding of real-world applications.

The ‘Epidemiology and Issues in Public Health’ course provides a solid foundation in epidemiological measures, study design, and evaluation and evidence synthesis techniques, embodying MIHMEP’s commitment to shaping professionals ready to make an impact in global health, where analytical rigor and scientific insight are crucial for fostering resilient and equitable healthcare systems worldwide.