Experiences in Public Health

At the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), we are committed to building a strong and diverse public health workforce.  From internships to full-time professional roles, IDPH offers a range of opportunities for individuals passionate about protecting and promoting public health across the state.  We are developing relationships with schools and organizations throughout Illinois to promote the field of public health as a career option and give students exposure to a real-life application of their studies.  Below, please find a number of opportunities to experience public health in action.

The RISE Internship Program is a collaborative initiative between the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the University of Illinois System, offering undergraduate and graduate students invaluable hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate closely with experts on projects that have a direct impact on communities across Illinois.

Core Principles:

R – Real World Experience: Contribute to projects that directly affect communities, bridging classroom knowledge with practical application.

I – Impactful Learning: Participate in experiences that challenge and expand knowledge, connecting any academic background with meaningful work.

S – Skill Development: Develop the essential skills needed for a successful career in any field of study.

E – Engagement in Public Service: Make a meaningful difference by contributing to health initiatives that serve and improve the well-being of Illinois residents.

These opportunities are unpaid, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic commitments. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution's guidelines. Internships may be on-site, remote or hybrid depending on program need. 

Internship opportunities are available here: IDPH RISE Internship Opportunities 

IDPH has partnered with the University of Illinois at Springfield for over 45 years to provide     qualified graduate students with opportunities for a paid internship position with IDPH.

If you are interested in a public sector internship experience while you are earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois Springfield, then you need to look no further than the Graduate Public Service Internship Program (GPSI).

More information can be found here: https://www.uis.edu/gradinterns/gpsi-program

This program is run by the Governor’s Office.

The Michael Curry Summer Internship Program offers current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in all disciplines (including law) an opportunity to work in one of the agencies under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Governor on a full-time basis for ten (10) weeks during the summer. In order to be eligible, you must be a citizen of Illinois. Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States, without employer sponsorship, on a full- time basis for any employer.

Link: https://gov.illinois.gov/about/opportunities/curry-internship.html

This program is run by the Governor’s Office.

The Dunn Fellowship is an opportunity for recent graduates to obtain hands-on experience in state government, while obtaining tools for their future careers.

Link: https://gov.illinois.gov/about/opportunities.html

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Overview

Are you a physician-in-training considering a career in public health?  The Physician Experience in Public Health (PEPH) is a non-clinical opportunity for physicians-in-training (resident or fellow, PGY-1 or higher) to complete a rotation at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and learn the essential role of physicians in the intersection between clinical care and public health.  The experience focuses on population health and public policy, and can be in-person, remote, or hybrid.

Physicians-in-training work under the supervision of the Medical Services Division (MSD), on projects to support the eight IDPH programmatic offices:

• Office of Disease Control
• Office of Healthcare Regulation
• Office of Health Promotion
• Office of Health Protection
• Office of Policy, Planning and Statistics
• Office of Preparedness and Response
• Office of Racial/Cultural Health Equity
• Office of Women’s Health and Family Services

The rotation length is flexible, typically part-time for a minimum of 4 weeks, but can be longer or shorter.  A wide range of projects are possible depending on the interests of the physician-in-training and the needs of IDPH.  Rotation opportunities require the availability of an appropriate preceptor.

Important: The PEPH rotation is an unpaid elective rotation and does not provide academic credit.
 

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in an Illinois accredited graduate medical program and be in good standing.  Physicians-in-training are encouraged to apply from preventive medicine, primary care specialties (family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, or pediatrics), and infectious disease fellowships.  However, physicians-in-training with a range of experience are welcome!

This is a competitive process, and preference will be given to applicants with an interest in pursuing careers with medically underserved populations, or who have training or experience in public health.
 

Interested in a PEPH Rotation?

If interested, the first step is to complete the IDPH PEPH interest form.  We look forward to working with you!
 

Are you a medical student?

We welcome your interest in public health! While PEPH is reserved for current physicians in training (PGY-1 or higher), medical students are eligible for internship opportunities at IDPH.

Please visit IDPH Internship Webpage to learn what opportunities are available.
 

Physician Role in Public Health vs. Personal Health -- What's the Difference?

Public health focuses on preventing disease and promoting the health of populations and communities, where physicians have an important role in helping to shape public policies, and societal or governmental actions.  In contrast, the physician role in personal health focuses on individuals - the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as encouraging lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

These roles often overlap, however, as in many ways personal and public health are inseparable and interdependent.  For example, individual health may be negatively affected based upon where a person lives, and physicians can highlight these challenges to spur action that will improve the health of the entire community.
 

Additional Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Public Health 101 Series | CDC

Solve The Outbreak | CDC

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Discover Public health is an exciting initiative seeking to inspire junior high and high school students in the state to explore careers in public health.  Through this program, IDPH staff will inspire and empower the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public health, contributing to healthier communities through an engaging and interactive presentation.  Any junior high or high school interested in partnering with IDPH on this program may reach out to DPH.HRRecruiter@illinois.gov for more information.

Link: Discover Public Health Flyer

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IDPH actively participates in career fairs across the state to engage with individuals interested in careers in public health and public administration. These events provide an opportunity for IDPH staff to share about the wide range of career and internship opportunities available at IDPH, including roles in epidemiology, environmental health, health education, policy, human resources, finance and more. Our team is excited to share insights into the agency’s mission, the impact of our work, benefits of state employment, and pathways available for both students and professionals.

If your school or organization is interested in IDPH staff participating in a career fair, please email our recruitment team at DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov

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IDPH strives to identify and hire a diverse team of professionals who will help advance the mission of our agency.  As an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce, IDPH welcomes and encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliations, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

Please visit our career page here.
 

If your school or organization is interested in finding a way to partner with IDPH that is not listed above, please reach out to Workforce Director, Kristin Rzeczkowski at Kristin.Rzeczkowski@illinois.gov or the recruitment team at DPH.HRRecruiter@illinois.gov.

IDPH follows all state and federal rules, laws, hiring requirements and the Employment Plans for those agencies operating under the Governor of the State of Illinois.