John Macdonald to pursue doctorate specializing in epidemiology

John Macdonald, a student in his final term of the MPH program, was recently accepted to Laurentian University’s doctoral program in Rural and Northern Health.  He will specialize in epidemiology. 

This unique program, offered only in Northern Ontario, is the only doctoral program in Canada dedicated to researching rural and northern health issues.

Macdonald maintained excellent grades throughout his MPH program.  He stated that “it was through this program and the faculty leadership in this discipline,” that he decided to pursue the field of epidemiology. 

He plans to conduct epidemiological studies and evaluations of the health care of residents living throughout Northern Ontario, remote First Nation communities, as well as marginalized populations throughout the world, with an emphasis on bettering health outcomes.

Dr. Nancy Lightfoot, who has extensive skill and experience as a clinical epidemiologist, with special insight into research methodologies, will act as his supervisor.   ​