Module 4: AzPHA Conference

 

Part 1: Worksite.

Last week, we had submitted academic status reports. Students were notified if they were performing unsatisfactory. One such student had an appointment with me on Thursday. This is the second time she is taking this course with me. She does not attend class regularly, does poorly on assignments and quizzes, and often misses assignments completely. Talking with her, she described that her biggest obstacle in time. She does not feel like she has enough time and energy to devote to school since she is working 20 hours a week at a grocery store. Her family is unable to provide financial support and often asks her for financial help instead. Her roommate moved out a month ago after she stopped helping her financially as well. My problem of practice looks into the likelihood of being successful in public health/health sciences graduate classes in those students with lower socioeconomic status. This student is an example of such a student who is unlikely to continue with undergraduate education, let alone graduate work, without additional resources.

Part 2: Observation.

 

Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA) is an organization that promotes the health and well-being of Arizonans. It prides itself on being a resource for public health professionals and students. It promotes collaborations between agencies in order to better serve its populations. AzPHA held its spring conference on April 5. This conference acts not only as a networking event, but also a way to disseminate information. Its theme was After Disaster Strikes: Expectations versus Capabilities. After the start of the conference, the first panel session was held on how to expect the unexpected. Each member spoke for about 20 minutes with slides, followed by a question and answer session.

Part 3: Readings.

Sutton, R. I., & Rao, H. (2014). Scaling up excellence: Getting to more without settling for less. Crown Business.

If things are working well, the info should be disseminated freely

If you ask an organization how they are doing what they are doing, there should be easy ways to reach out and communicate

Once gaps are identified, collaborate with others to fill them in

When approaching scaling, you need diversity. Reflect the diversity you want to attract

Convey expectations through examples (not just beliefs and codes, but also emotions – positive energy) and make developing fun

Get people to be engaged again through mentorships – dormant connections, promote action, promote continued action

 

Making nets work:

The top down approach

Broadcast your message out to one and all

Surround them – many teaching the few

One on one – power of pairs

From the few to the many

Bridging disconnected islands

Create crossroads where people connect

 

Part 4: Integrations.

 

·         Sometimes you have to be persistent to get your message of urgency across.

·         Rely on those who have the experience to advise you.

·         In emergencies, step aside to allow those with the knowledge to take control and be there to help coordinate as needed.

·         Expect the unexpected and plan for the worse. Expect those plans to be forced to change.

References

McGuire M.T., Rowley R., Sunenshine R. (2016, April). Expectations versus Capabilities. Panel session conducted that the spring conference of Arizona Public Health Association, Phoenix, AZ.

Sutton, R. I., & Rao, H. (2014). Scaling up excellence: Getting to more without settling for less. Crown Business.