Janelle Nichols, MPH, Project Assistant, Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice, Public Health Foundation
As highlighted during the American Public Health Association’s 2015 Annual Meeting earlier this month in Chicago, collaboration between academia and public health practice is essential to ensuring a strong public health workforce. Looking for support in developing or strengthening these connections for your organization? Consider joining the Academic Health Department (AHD) Mentorship Program!
Established in June 2015, the AHD Mentorship Program, an initiative of the AHD Learning Community, aims to foster the development, maintenance, and expansion of AHDs by building ongoing mentoring relationships between individuals involved in AHD efforts. This program supports mutual learning and the sharing of expertise, connecting individuals seeking guidance in an area of AHD development or operation with those having experience in that area. Paired mentors and mentees share information and advice and serve as mutual resources in enhancing AHD partnerships and improving the quality of public health. As the program continues to develop, new mentors and mentees are welcome at any time. Whether you have years of AHD experience or are just starting out, there is a place for you in the mentorship program.
Volunteering as a mentor through the AHD Mentorship Program offers valuable support to those who may have just begun building collaborations between academia and practice in order to develop an AHD partnership, or those who are looking to enhance their existing AHD collaborations. As a mentee, you will have an opportunity to connect with individuals who have experience developing and maintaining these collaborations and learn from their experiences. Both mentors and mentees benefit from sharing perspectives, hearing from colleagues, and creating new relationships with others passionate about collaboration within public health.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Join the AHD Mentorship Program today by completing either the AHD Mentor Form or the AHD Mentee Form to share some basic information about your AHD experiences or needs and get the matching process started. Have questions before joining? Contact me anytime at [email protected].