About

Our History

Since its establishment in 1983, the Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health at NCKU has undergone significant developments. Initially part of the Department of Medicine, it launched a master's program in 2000 and a doctoral program in 2008, aiming to cultivate professionals in public health. In 2024, the Department of Public Health was officially established, marking a new chapter with the enrollment of international students who can contribute to global health efforts.

History

1983

The Division of Public Health at NCKU was established under the Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine. Courses were primarily for students in the Departments of Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Medical Technology, and Nursing, covering Public Health and Biostatistics.

1997

Preparation began for the establishment of the Institute of Public Health.

2000 August

Master’s program was established, focusing on Health Policy, Community Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics.

2002

First cohort of the master’s program in Public Health graduated.

2003

The master’s program was divided into two admission groups: Group A - Health Policy and Community Health; Group B - Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Coursework was not differentiated by group.

2007

Professor Susan C Hu served as the Director General of the Tainan City Public Health Bureau, helping Tainan to implement the WHO Healthy City initiative.

2008 August

Doctoral program launched.

2009

The doctoral program was reorganized into 2 groups: "Epidemiology" and "Health Policy", with separate required and elective courses.

2012

The master’s program admissions and coursework were no longer differentiated by group but by fields, specifically "Epidemiology" and "Health Policy".

2015 June

The first doctoral students of Public Health at National Cheng Kung University graduated.

2015 August

Master of public health for professionals program launched.

2017

Professor Tsung-Hsueh Lu served as the Director of the Taichung City Public Health Bureau.

2020

Dr. I-Lin Hsu, a graduate of the doctoral program, served as the Director General of the Tainan City Health Bureau, leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024

Department of Public Health established, admitting international students to cultivate global health professionals.

Current Department Head

Lee, Pei-Chen

9th Director

2023/08/01 –

Public health not only focuses on domestic health issues but also addresses global health concerns. In pursuing the values and goals of population health, no one should be excluded.