By Anne Fields
Policy as it pertains to public health has always been an area of interest for me and DC holds a special place in my heart, so I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs conference held annually just steps away from Capitol Hill. Upon reflection, AMCHP was about making connections for me.
This conference was different in many ways to the two conferences I attended last semester, but extremely fitting for my current direction on my public health journey. I am enrolled in two courses focused on MCH policy, including one with an emphasis on the Affordable Care Act, thus, AMCHP was the perfect opportunity to engage in a broader understanding of how policy affects coverage, grants, and programs, which in turn affects all of our work as public health professionals. I was able to make connections between what I am learning in my courses and what is actually happening on the ground. As I am approaching graduation, these connections are essential to helping shape the direction I will take.
Additionally I had the chance to make connections with a variety of different people critical to my growth within the field of public health. I made new connections within the Tulane community, both in New Orleans and across the country. I made old connections with colleagues stronger. I was able to meet key persons involved in similar work and with unique experiences from which I can learn. Additionally, I was able to rekindle family connections that indirectly still related to my public health interests.
At this conference, I was really able to grasp the scope of public health and the potential opportunities it offers. While this is overwhelming in many ways, it is inspiring to see so many, from so many different backgrounds, working towards common goals.
Anne Fields is a second-year MPH student, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. She plans to graduate in August 2015. Her interests include adolescent health, sexual health, behavioral health integration, and immigrant populations. She also loves running, yoga, and cooking.
