SPH Mentor News Winter 2005-2006
A newsletter for the School of Public Health (SPH) Mentor Program
Winter 2005 - 2006 edition
Greetings and Happy New Year SPH mentors and student mentees!
This is the first of two newsletters you will receive from the School of Public Health Mentor Program this year. The goal is to offer tips, advice, and event options for mentor pairs. The topics in this newsletter include:
- Sustaining a Mentoring Relationship
- Mentor Kick-off Event Recap
- Networking
- Engaging in the Public Health Community
- Minnesota Department of Health Tour RSVP
- Event Opportunities
Sustaining a Mentoring Relationship - by Erin Huppert
It's been months since you met and exchanged the first email. You know each other's educational and professional backgrounds, and perhaps you've even visited the other's workplace. A mentoring relationship can be so much more than this, however. It can present you with the opportunity of a lifetime if you can only go beyond the surface. One easy way to do this is through regularly scheduled communications. If you haven't been doing this, it's time to start. If you do talk on a regular basis but are finding it difficult to come up with things to discuss, we suggest breaking each e-mail, phone conversation or meeting into three segments.
The first segment enables the pair to get re-connected with life's updates from going to a wedding to finding a new Thai place for dinner. The next segment allows the pair to share one thing they learned since their last communication. For a mentor, this could be a new project or program at the workplace and for a student it can be a new tool on the CDC website he or she used for a paper. The final segment of the communication is the time for questions. Each person in the relationship should have a minimum of one question for the other. It could be, "How are you coming on your master's project?" or, "I'm wondering if you know of anyone in your program who is familiar with quality improvement?"
Finally, remember these last pieces of advice: always follow up on questions asked, start and end the conversation on a positive note, identify the next time you'll talk again, and importantly, don't hesitate to contact the SPH Mentor Program coordinators if you're struggling with the relationship.
The 2005-2006 SPH Mentor Program Kick-Off Event
On October 26, 2005 we welcomed over 100 mentors and students to breakfast at the McNamara Alumni Center to start off this year's mentor program. These individuals represented students across all of the school's programs and majors, and mentors from across all disciplines within the public and private sectors.
Special thanks go to Dean John R. Finnegan, Jr., Trish Will from the UMAA, and Barbara Laporte from Career Services for their sage advice, and to Amy Schultz and her mentor, Deb Hendricks, for sharing their experiences together as a mentor pair over the last year. They spoke of the importance of keeping an open mind as well as open communication for a successful relationship.
Additional thanks go out to the Mentor Matching Committee. Without their time and effort, mentor pairs would not have been matched to even attend the kick-off event!
Thank you:
Jeff Budd
Heather Day
Myron Falken
Erica Fishman
Michelle Flatt
Jayne Griffith
Jessica Grossmeier
Erin Huppert
Barb Laporte
Mary Mauzy
Zaynab Rezania
Networking - by Barbara Laporte
At the Mentor Kick-off event in October, I talked about the "magical" or wonderful results that can occur in a mentoring relationship. As is true with anything, the results we get depend on the choices we make and the actions we take. One of the values of the mentoring relationship is the opportunity it provides for students to make professional connections, and the opportunities it provides mentors to share their knowledge and perhaps serve as a bridge to their mentees to other professionals in the field of public health in other words, the opportunity to network.
Most career counselors will tell you that networking is one of the most effective job search tools. However, learning to network effectively can be a challenge, so as mentors, it is helpful to give your mentees hints about what you do and don't like when people contact you for networking purposes. Students, you will get the most of your mentoring and networking relationships when you are prepared, ask good questions, listen to, and follow up on the advice you receive. One way to prepare yourself to network effectively is to refer to the tip sheet on networking at www.sph.umn.edu/career/jobsearch/tipsheets on the "Preparing to Network" link. Another option is to attend the SPH Mentor Program and University of Minnesota Alumni Association's co-sponsored session entitled, "Network Necessities" on February 7, 2006. For more information and to register, please visit www.alumni.umn.edu/networking_necessities.
As you make the choice to develop your mentoring relationship and take the actions to establish a wider professional network, you will begin to realize that indeed, these connections can have wonderful results!
Remaining Engaged in the Public Health Community
If anything, the events of the past year are a vivid reminder of the importance of public health. From the tsunami in Asia to the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, it is clear that there is a role and a career for every individual from administration to nutrition. Yet the diversity of our field can be a barrier just as much as it is an asset. All too often, it is easy to get siloed into our jobs and our classes thereby preventing us from seeing the forest through the trees. We would like to take this time to thank you for your involvement in this program as a way to extend beyond that silo, and also mention a few other organizations that you can be a part of to remain engaged in the public health community.
APHA
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing members from over 50 occupations of public health. From educational services to advocacy efforts, APHA brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action. Visit www.apha.org to read about public health in the news or inquire about APHA's Student Assembly.
MPHA
The Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA) was founded in 1907, and is a statewide professional organization serving Minnesotans, its members, and the public health profession through advocacy and activities. As a co-sponsor of the School of Public Health Mentor Program, MPHA also strives to help prepare the next generation of public health leaders for service. Students should inquire about free membership opportunities. For membership information and/or links to current public health advocacy issues, visit www.mpha.net.
University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps
A volunteer organization designed to provide the means for health professionals to donate their expertise during public health emergencies as well as prepare volunteers in advance. For more information, go to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/outreach/epp/mrc.html.
Tour the new Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) facilities
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2006
Time: 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: MDH, Freeman Building, 625 Robert Street N., St. Paul.
RSVP by Tuesday, January 17, to Jill Sondergaard: jill.sondergaard@health.state.mn.us
Attendance limited to the first 50 people
The SPH mentor program is sponsoring a behind-the-scenes tour of MDH's two new metro buildings! Find out "what's going on" at MDH with your mentor or student mentee. Refreshments will be served.
Note to participants:
- All visitors will need to check in at the main lobby to receive a visitor's badge.
- Parking is extremely limited around the Capitol Complex. There are quarter-only meters out front of the building and in the surface lot of the State Revenue building across from MDH. Most lots and parking ramps in the vicinity are reserved for contract parking. Other parking options include the parking ramp at Regions Hospital, located one block away on Jackson Street, or one of two parking ramps that are located on 7th Street and Robert, a few blocks south, over I-94.
- Visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/about/direct.html#msp for directions.
1-9-06
"Challenges and Opportunities in Future Clinical Research" will be presented by David DeMets, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, on Monday, January 9 12-1 p.m. in room 2-520 Moos Tower. Light lunch served. The presentation is part of the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series of the Academic Health Center Office of Clinical Research. For more information, contact Susan Jackson at sjackson@umn.edu.
1-24-06
You are invited to a screening of Minnesota Confidential, a documentary highlighting the history and current debate over the Minors' Consent Act. The screening will take place at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24 in the Coffman Union Theater. Reception to follow. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Public Health Association, SPH Mentor Program, and SPH Student Senate.
1-25-06
Speak Up! Be Heard! Take Action!
Join University of Minnesota alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for the 2006 Legislative Briefing and Reception
January 25, 2006
5:30 - 8:00 pm
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street S.E., Minneapolis
Join in for an insider's preview of the University of Minnesota's 2006 legislative request. Hear President Bruininks, along with students and faculty, tell their stories about how the projects in this year's request will benefit the University and the entire state. Learn how to be an effective advocate for the University at the Capitol and in your own community. Meet and network with others who care about the future of the U.
A light dinner will be served.
RSVP to attend the Legislative Briefing at www.supporttheu.umn.edu or call 612-625-9174
1-25-06
Deborah Prothrow-Stith, associate dean for faculty development and professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, will speak at the Humphrey Institute, Wednesday, January 25, 7 p.m. Prothrow-Stith is a nationally recognized leader in using public health strategies to understand and eliminate youth violence. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jean Fountain at jeanfountain@earthlink.net or 952-941-4422.
1-26-06
Community Health Education Alumni Reunion and Networking event. Greet old friends and meet new ones on Thursday, January 26 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Eastcliff, the official home of the President of the University of Minnesota. RSVP required. Please contact Kathryn Schwartz at schwa139@umn.edu for further details.
2-2-06
Groundhogs aren't the only ones looking for their shadows today! It's national "Job Shadow Day". Will your schedules allow you to meet today? If so, it's the perfect opportunity for student mentees to tour facilities or attend a department meeting with their mentors. Perhaps two or three mentor pairs can meet up for lunch after a morning of shadowing?
2-7-06
Networking Necessities
Both mentors and students will benefit from this session, which will teach the essentials to successful networking; a must for propelling your career into the next level. Co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) Mentor Connection.
Free for mentors and students! Space is limited so register early!
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the A.I. Johnson Great Room of the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE on the Minneapolis campus.
Speaker: Darcy Matz, Vice President of Profile Resource Organization, a national training firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Please RSVP here: http://www.alumni.umn.edu/networking_necessities
2-17-06
Leadership with Strong Personalities: MHA Leadership Seminar
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m
Radisson Metrodome Hotel, 615 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis
Symphony conductors and leaders in the high-risk field of nuclear power seek to motivate passionate and strong willed professionals for peak performance. How can the coaching metaphor among professional musicians and scientists guide health sector leaders to achieve ever-higher levels of performance? How do leaders earn and motivate strong willed followers when you may not have direct control and struggle with imperfect recognition and reward systems? How can you strive for peak performance and simultaneously cultivate new talent?
Panel Members:
- Osmo Vänskä, Music Director, Minnesota Orchestra
- Michael B. Sellman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear Management Company, LLC
There will be a reception following the presentation.
For further information and to register, go to http://www.hsr.umn.edu/mha/alumni/lcs2005/index.htm
2-23-06
Dr. Russell Luepker, professor of epidemiology, will present the Mayo Professors in Public Health lecture on Thursday, February 23, in Molecular and Cellular Biology room 3-120. 4:00 - 4:30 reception and refreshments; 4:30 - 5:30 lecture. Please visit www.sph.umn.edu, and click on the events links for forthcoming details.
2-23-06
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE - LECTURE BY MICHAEL FAY
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 p.m
State Theater in Minneapolis
Tickets go on sale 1/8/2006; call 866-550-7469
University of Minnesota's Bell Museum Director Scott Lanyon introduces ecologist-explorer Michael Fay in the first of four events featuring remarkable personalities from the pages of National Geographic. The visually spectacular illustrated lecture will feature images from Fay's 70,000 mile aerial survey of human impact on African wilderness. The interactive event will also feature a public question-and-answer session with Fay moderated by Lanyon.
For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/nglive/minneapolis/
2-28-06
Protecting Water Quality for Future Generations
Great Conversations series, sponsored by the College of Continuing Education
February 28, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Ted Mann Concert Hall, West Bank of the University of Minnesota
Call 612-624-4000 for tickets and more information
Water is one of life's most basic requirements. In this season's first conversation, two of the foremost authorities on water quality will discuss the challenges and rewards of safeguarding our most precious natural resource.
- Deborah Swackhamer is Professor of Environmental Chemistry in the School of Public Health and Co-Director of the University's Water Resources Center
- David Shindler is one of the world's leading environmental scientists and Professor of Ecology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton
Best wishes,
Michelle Lian-Anderson
Erin Huppert
Please contact phmentor@umn.edu for questions or contributions.