Do you want to see public health and epidemiology in action? Do you want to participate in the translation of epidemiology to public health policy? Do you want to learn more about APHA governance? Do you want to get involved with the APHA Epidemiology Section? If so, participation in the APHA Epidemiology Section’s Student “Shadow” program may be for you.

Students selected to participate will “shadow” an Epidemiology Section Governing Council member at the 2008 Council and Epidemiology Section business meetings during the APHA Annual Meeting in San Diego. The Epidemiology Section will cover registration costs for the meeting.

Saturday, October 25th, 3:00-6:00 (election candidates' forum)
Sunday, October 26th, 3:30-6:00 (policy hearings)
Tuesday, October 28th, 9:00-5:00 (policy debate and elections)

What is the APHA Governing Council?

The Governing Council (GC) is a "Congress-like" body composed of elected, volunteer members from APHA Sections, SPIGS and affiliate public health organizations that meets once a year at the APHA Annual Meeting. The GC debates and enacts policy resolutions that guide the development of APHA policy activities during the year, and elects APHA Executive Board members and other volunteer leaders of the organization including the APHA President. During the year, the Executive Board provides more direct oversight of the work of the Executive Director and other APHA staff.

What is it like to be a Governing Council Member?

James A. Gaudino, MD, MS, MPH, summed up his feelings this way, “As a former Governing Council member from the Epidemiology Section (and now Section Chair), a physician and a scientist, I saw my and my fellow councilors' responsibility to make sure that final APHA policies are based on the best scientific evidence available and are ethically sound.” Sarah L. Patrick, MPH, PhD, former Chair for the Epidemiology Section said that, “serving on the Governing Council is a tremendous learning opportunity, plus you can insert epidemiologic evidence into the policies of the organization."

Application Requirements

If you are interested, please send to Howell Sasser via e-mail at Howell.Sasser@carolinashealthcare.org or fax (704) 355-1880) the following information by July 15, 2008: