Public health workers play a pivotal role in protecting the health of communities worldwide through disease control and prevention.
Earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) is typically required, but two short years in graduate school isn’t sufficient. Lifelong learning is essential for public health professionals to update their practice skills according to the latest research findings. Conferences are an excellent way to broaden your knowledge while networking for career advancement opportunities.
Whether you’re committed to epidemiology, occupational safety, environmental health, maternal and child health, health education, or another specialty, there are conferences just for you. Below we’ve highlighted five upcoming public health conferences that are worth the trip in 2016.
1. ACHI Annual Conference: Baltimore, MD
March 1-3, 2016
Funded by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), the Association for Community Health Improvement is having its 2016 ACHI Annual Conference in March. Hundreds of public health professionals will gather to attend the three stimulating keynote addresses, 35 engaging breakout sessions, and seven networking events. This year’s theme at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront will be “From Health Care to Healthy Communities.” Four pre-conference workshops are also available before the first-time attendee briefing.
2. SOPHE 67th Annual Meeting: Charlotte, NC
March 30-April 1, 2016
The Society for Public Health Education is hosting its SOPHE 67th Annual Meeting at the Westin Downtown Charlotte for health education specialists interested in learning the latest techniques for promoting healthy lifestyles. There’s an exciting lineup of presentations scheduled, including a keynote address from Dr. Ana Diez Roux from Drexel University. A full-day Train-the-Trainer workshop will be offered March 29th. Up to 10 teams will compete in the Undergraduate Case Study Competition also.
3. NACCHO Annual Conference 2016: Phoenix, AZ
July 19-21, 2016
As America’s largest gathering of local health department leaders, the NACCHO Annual Conference will be held by the National Association of County and City Health Officials in Phoenix this July. Following the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Health Equity,” the conference will bring together over 1,300 public health experts for thought-provoking sessions on healthcare disparity. The Exhibit Hall will feature companies providing aging, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, food safety, immunization, nutrition, and other community health products.
4. Public Health Informatics Conference: Atlanta, GA
August 21-24, 2016
At the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, the Public Health Informatics Conference will taken place in late August to engage professionals in groundbreaking discussions on the role of public health in the world’s expanding healthcare IT infrastructure. Celebrating its 13th year, the conference attracts experts from five continents. This year’s theme will be “Access, Analysis, Action” to explore how to best procure technology and data. Key sessions will be led by Chesley Richards, Martin Sepulveda, Melina Scotto, and Tavan Jones.
5. APHA Annual Meeting & Expo: Denver, CO
October 29-November 2, 2016
With the theme “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Ensuring the right to Health,” the American Public Health Association will hold its APHA Annual Meeting & Expo at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. More than 12,000 public health professionals will attend to discuss strategies for giving all communities, rich or poor, the opportunity for optimal health. MPH students can meet face-to-face with potential employers at the Public Health CareerMart. Up to 30 continuing education credits are also available with the Learning Institute Courses.
Today’s rough economic climate has made it challenging for public health students and workers to afford professional development. Luckily, conferences can help maximize your investment. Not only do conferences offer continuing education credits, but they also provide access to skill-building workshops, networking events, and cutting-edge research. Attending any of these five great public health conferences will help you improve your practice strategies for 2016.
