Students sometimes turn their assignments in at midnight, but they are never late. Instructors field questions and return graded work, but no one is in a classroom. The program, which breaks new ground in continuing medical education, is directed by Kurt Hegmann, MD '87. Classes are taught entirely over the Internet. Students work at their own pace, receiving and submitting assignments, conversing with faculty and getting grades all by e-mail.
Location is irrelevant.
The program tailors the technology to the needs of adult learners, specifically physicians seeking certification by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. One of the requirements for certification is an MPH degree. Since returning to his alma mater in 1992 as an Assistant Professor in Preventive Medicine, Dr. Hegmann has been involved in the MPH program. He teaches occupational epidemiology, and was appointed director of the Occupational Medicine degree program in December 1997. He enjoys the troubleshooting and experimentation involved in conducting an Internet-based program that has no precedent.