Meet Our MSW MPH Coordinator - Trina Salm Ward, PhD, MSW

Trina Salm Ward, PhD, MSW, began coordinating the MSW MPH Program in Spring 2014.  Dr. Salm Ward is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the School of Social Work and the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia.  As Coordinator of the program, she works through each school to ensure an integrated program of study, advises students, serves as field liaison for their integrated field placements.  She is also leading an ongoing evaluation process of the program.

Dr. Salm Ward earned an Interdisciplinary PhD in Health Sciences and a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a BA in Psychology from St. Norbert College.  She comes to UGA with 14 years’ experience conducting clinical and population-level research in academic and health care settings, and 2 years’ experience as a practicing family therapist.

“I am just thrilled to be here,” says Dr. Salm Ward, “the dual degree students are amazing – they have a solid understanding of individual-level and population-level determinants of social and health issues.  This broad perspective is so necessary, especially when working to address the persistent health disparities facing our world today.  Our students leave this program well-versed in both public health and social work approaches, and they can apply those skills in a multitude of settings, including leadership positions, direct practice, and research.  The field of Public Health Social Work is continuing to advance, and along with it, interest in MSW MPH Programs.”

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Related Presentations

1. Salm Ward, T.C., Reeves, P.M., Mwaura, M., Pettus, J.  (2014).  Innovative Approaches to Public Health Education:  The MSW/MPH Dual Degree.  Poster presentation, The University of Georgia State of Public Health Conference, Athens, GA (September 10).
2. Reeves, P.M., Salm Ward, T.C., Ryder, K., Motlagh, A., Mwaura, M., & Demmitt, H.  (2014).  Social Work and Public Health:  A Dynamic Duo.  Oral presentation, Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Conference, Atlanta, GA (March 10).