Award Vision: Strengthening and building the capacity of public health students

Drs. Vasanth and Pari Basrur have established a travel bursary in memory of their daughter, Dr. Sheela Basrur, former Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario. The Sheela Basrur student travel bursary is intended to support the next generation of public health professionals in Ontario and overseas by broadening their experience and knowledge base in public health. 

Purpose: 

The Sheela Basrur travel bursary is intended to provide an advanced understanding of public health in different jurisdictions by supporting students in undergraduate or graduate programs who wish to travel for a public health placement or course and require financial assistance with travel costs.

Eligibility:

The award is available to Ontario or international students who demonstrate a commitment to public health and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate public health relevant program. 

There will be two travel bursaries awarded each year consisting of a maximum $2,000 each. The awards are open to:

• Students enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program in public health or related discipline within Ontario who wish to pursue a placement outside of Ontario or who would like to complete a course or semester abroad as part of their studies.

• International students outside of Ontario enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program in public health or a related discipline interested in studying public health at an Ontario University or who have a placement at Public Health Ontario (PHO) or an Ontario heath unit.

The award is available to Ontario and international students who are eligible for funding and have secured travel visa requirements. 

Students are eligible to receive this award only once during their academic career.

Criteria for Award:

• Excellence in academic achievement;
• Demonstrated leadership experience and/or volunteer experience in the field of public health;
• Demonstrated interest in experiencing and understanding public health practice in different contexts and environments;
• Demonstrated overall value of experience towards applicant’s future goals in public health.

 Expectations:

• The placement or course must have a population health focus, rather than clinical.
• Students must ensure that all appropriate admission requirements and eligibility criteria are followed for their course of study or placement.
• Students must obtain their own travel VISA requirements and secure any additional funding required to complete their travel.
• The placement or course may take place within the current or following academic year of the bursary being awarded. It cannot be applied to a placement or course already completed.
• Students are expected to give a presentation highlighting their experience at The Ontario Public Health Convention (TOPHC).
• Students are asked to submit a brief report following their experience.
• Students are required to provide supporting documentation of the travel costs associated with the placement in accordance with PHO policies.

 Award value:  Each award is for a maximum of $2,000 CDN.

Frequency:

Each academic year, a maximum of two students will be chosen to receive the award.

Application process:

• Download and complete the application form
• Submit a letter of intent which should include:
• career goals;
• the value of this opportunity;
• how the travel experience will enhance your knowledge of public health; and
• what your experience is in the public health field.
• Submit two reference letters from academic advisors.
• Submit a copy of your certified transcripts. 
• Submit up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Send all electronic copies to SBC@oahpp.ca
• The deadline for the 2012 Sheela Basrur student travel bursary is March 5, 2012.
• All applicants will be notified no later than March 30, 2012.

 Review process:

All applications will be reviewed and selected by a panel of public health professionals.