Why KMU Public Health?
Since 1986, the Department of Public Health at Kaohsiung Medical University has trained leaders who integrate science, policy, and practice to advance population health in Taiwan and worldwide.
Department Overview
Who we are. Nearly four decades of public health education and research, bridging evidence with practice. Alumni serve in government, hospitals, NGOs, and academia.
Programs. B.S., M.P.H., Ph.D. spanning epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental & occupational health, health policy, and health promotion.
Location. Based in Kaohsiung, a diverse international city, partnering closely with health bureaus across the Kaohsiung–Pingtung region.
Curriculum & Learning Experience
Competency-based. Training aligned with Taiwan’s Public Health Specialist pathway and international frameworks.
Practice-based. Capstone projects in health bureaus, hospitals, and NGOs translate classroom learning to measurable impact.
Mentorship. Research apprenticeships and career advising connect students to local and global networks.
Research Priorities
1) Environmental & Occupational Health
- Air quality: PM₂.₅/ozone monitoring, environmental epidemology.
- Water quality: Heavy metals, industrial/agricultural contaminants; watershed-to-health linkage.
- Workplace health: Exposure characterization, safety interventions, program evaluation.
- Policy translation: Risk communication and evidence for local ordinances and standards.
2) Health Economics & Policy
- Health technology assessment and cost-effectiveness.
- Program evaluation for prevention & chronic disease management.
- Financing and reimbursement in health system; equity in allocation.
3) Genetic & Genomic Epidemiology
- Population-based genetic studies and biobanks.
- Integration of genomic, environmental, and EHR data.
- Gene–environment interactions and precision prevention.
4) Chronic Disease & Aging
- Dementia, diabetes, and cardiometabolic risk.
- Urban–rural disparities; aging society challenges.
- Evidence translation for long-term care and prevention policy.
5) AI & Precision Public Health
- Early risk detection and population segmentation with big data.
- Predictive models with privacy and ethical safeguards.
- Targeted, high-impact interventions for priority groups.
6) Community Health & Promotion
- School- and community-based programs and health literacy.
- Behavioral change strategies with equity focus.
- Practice-embedded research with local health bureaus and NGOs.
Community & Global Engagement
Local first, globally connected. Hands-on practice in Kaohsiung–Pingtung with international exchanges and joint research.
Ethics and equity. Emphasis on responsible data use, participatory approaches, and equitable outcomes across communities.