Letter of Recommendation for Public Health

Letter of Recommendation (LOR), otherwise called a reference letter is a short statement written by someone who can assess your performance, either academically or professionally. It is mainly of two types: Academic LOR and Professional LOR. Academic LOR for Public Health is written by professors, school teachers or Dean whereas a professional LOR is written by a previous employer or supervisor.

LOR for public health can influence the admissions committee about the suitability of the candidate for admission in the program in the university. Top universities across the world require two to three letters of recommendation while making an application to the undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs. It should highlight all the positive traits and skills of the student that are required for studying the public health program.

While applying to bachelors in public health, top universities across the world might demand for either two or three academic LORs which must discuss the high school performance, major achievements, extracurricular activities. Candidates who are applying to masters programs in public health are required to submit two or three professional or academic LORs.

The procedure and requirements of submitting the letter of recommendations for Public health in top universities of USA, and UK vary significantly. For example:

• While applying to Masters in Public health at Yale University, The applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendations as a part of making an application to the university. While filling out the application, the contact information of the recommenders is to be provided. Then, the recommenders will receive an email stating the instructions of uploading the LOR.
• Whereas while applying to University of Manchester, the applicants are Asked to provide two academic references and optional requirements of a professional LOR. The referees are required to fill up the referee report form and email it to the public health department from their work email address.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Public Health

LOR for public health in universities of USA, Canada, UK, etc must discuss all the unique skills of the applicant that sets him apart from other candidates. It is a mandatory document required as a part of the application process of renowned universities across the world. Some skills are specifically required for admission in public health programs.

• Good understanding of natural sciences and social science subjects are essential for public health program
• Major focus must be given on the applicants performance in biology, calculus, medicine, history, psychology, algebra etc
• Communication skills and good teamwork skills are necessary skills that the universities consider while assessing application

The following format and structure is to be followed by the recommender while writing a LOR for public health:

Introduction

The recommender should begin with a brief introduction of himself stating his name, designation and then write about his relationship with the student and how long he knew him. Also write why do you think that the applicant deserves a recommendation letter from you. Address the letter to the admissions committee, department of public health or simply start with “To Whom It May Concern” if you’re not sure about the readers identity. Write a short description of what you’re going to write in the next paragraphs at the end.

Body

The referee should elucidate all the unique skills of the candidate and persuade the admissions committee that he is the right fit for the public health program. Discuss the traits in a positive tone. Remember to provide suitable examples of the instances where the applicant demonstrated these skills and you witnessed it. Provide specific skills that are required for admission into a public health program. The below mentioned skills can give an edge to the candidate over other applicants for public health program:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Managerial skills
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving skills
• Work ethics
• Leadership skills
• Technical skills
• Programming skills

Choose 2 to 3 skills from the above skills set and discuss the instances when you witnessed the candidate displaying these. Write precisely how the candidate can contribute to the university community and department.

For example

“XXXX demonstrated great leadership skills while she was a secretary of the organising committee of tech fest at the university. She is a multitasker and manages her tasks efficiently. She enjoys the company of people. She is good at working with a large number of people and she has displayed great team working skills. She has also been a member of several organising committees for different college events and functions. She is well organised and sincere when it comes to her duties.”

Conclusion

In the last paragraph, summarise the entire statement and write the key characteristics that the candidate possesses. Rank the candidate and write about how he or she is different from other students you have taught. Give your contact details in case they have any additional questions. Sign off with your name and designation at the very end.

For example

“In my ten years of teaching career, I would place XXXX in the top 10%. I strongly recommend her for the public health program at your university. Your university will provide her with ample opportunities to shine and fulfil her future aspirations. I believe in her abilities and I’m certain that she will be an asset to the public health department at your university. Please Don’t hesitate to contact me for any additional information or questions (your email address).

With regards

Sincerely

Your name

Designation “

Sample Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Public Health

Given below is a letter of recommendation written by a college professor for a student who is applying to Masters in Public health program

To

The department of public health

(name of the university)

It is with immense pleasure that I am writing to you to support the candidacy of one of the most brightest students, XXXX that I have had the opportunity to teach during her Bachelors of science in public health at ABCD university. I taught her epidemiology for three years and she has impressed me with her knowledge and zeal to learn at several occasions. She is extremely curious to learn new things and that is what has always been her greatest asset.

XXXX has always been updated with the recent statistics and trends of diseases occurring in specific populations of the entire world and has always shown great interest in epidemiology. She has been an active participant in all the classroom discussions. She takes a lot of interest in reading different books of renowned authors and researchers and gaining more and more knowledge on public health and related domains. Even during breaks, I have seen her indulged in reading and making notes. She is hard-working and determined about fulfilling her future goals

Not only XXXX academically brilliant, she is an exceptional basketball player. She has played national and international level basketball tournaments and has bagged several awards for her skills. She has great oral and written communication skills. She also has the potential to mesmerise everybody with her writing skills and has served her time as the editor of our university’s magazine. Her passion for sports and literature has never come between her academics and she has managed very well between both of them.

She was a member of an NGO for women and child safety and what day and night for the development and awareness programmes conducted for welfare purposes. She displayed good work ethics and managerial skills during her time at the NGO. She took part in several rallies and spread her word across the city. She never hesitated to put forward their opinions about injustices against women and child slavery. She is a compassionate person and is always vocal about the wrong deeds.

Her research project on “analysis of problems of drug abuse in teenagers and its impact on nations development” has been an honest and appropriate revelation of a serious problem that the world is facing. With her practical examples and convincing presentation, she impressed the entire department and won the best presenter prize in her final year. She scored good marks in her examinations and was one of the valedictorians at the graduation ceremony.

I give XXXX my highest recommendation and place her among the top 15% of the students I have ever taught. I am certain that she will serve your university community and department at her best. Your university will be the perfect place for her to hone her skills and develop her abilities. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on efg@gmail.com if you have any additional questions about the candidate.

With regards

Your name

Designation

University name

FAQs