M.P.H. Student Uses Skills Gained at CPHSJ During Corrections Medicine Internship

01/24/2025

Master of Public Health students at Saint Louis University must complete an internship prior to graduation referred to as the Applied Practice Experience (APEx), with a public health organization that matches their practice or research interests. 

Sehar Jain, a second-year M.P.H. student, spent her summer interning with the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health within their Corrections Medicine Division at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center. Sehar worked with a team that aided the medical director in overseeing inmate healthcare. 

With an epidemiology concentration, Jain knew this internship would be a good match after an initial interview with her preceptors. Major projects Jain worked on included developing a chronic-care project with a tracking system for medical staff to manage chronic health conditions and log health information. She also worked on a system to ensure follow-up for past inmates to improve continuity of care. Additionally, Jain began working to redesign the sick-call process to make it more accessible for illiterate inmates. 

“One challenge was addressing health care accessibility for inmates, particularly those with low literacy levels," Jain said. "There is often a stigma around 'special forms' designed for those who are illiterate, so initially finding a way to balance inclusivity without singling individuals out was a delicate process.” 

A highlight for Jain was the welcoming and appreciative staff at the Department of Public Health, especially within the Corrections Medicine Division. 

“They made me feel like one of their own and continuously reminded me of the great work that was being done,” said Jain. 

Jain shared how the College for Public Health and Social Justice gave her a strong foundation for this internship with the focus of health disparities and practical research skills. She found a connection between SLU’s values in serving vulnerable populations, which helped her develop real-world applications for concepts that she had been learning and reading about in class. 

In sharing advice with students who are looking for their APEx internship, Jain encourages students to begin early, be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out to their professors and mentors. 

“Don’t hesitate to apply for roles that challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone. It is the best way to grow!” she said. 

College for Public Health and Social Justice

The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is the only academic unit of its kind, studying social, environmental and physical influences that together determine the health and well-being of people and communities. It also is the only accredited school or college of public health among nearly 250 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Guided by a mission of social justice and focus on finding innovative and collaborative solutions for complex health problems, the college offers nationally recognized programs in public health and health administration.