Title: A NEW MEMBER’S PERSPECTIVE
Author:
Section/SPIG: Occupational Health and Safety
Issue Date:
I was initially offered admission at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)- environmental health/toxicology for fall 2002. However, I was enticed by the one-year graduate tuition scholarship offered by the University of Arizona, College of Public Health (environmental and occupational health) in April 2002 for the fall semester.
Ever since then, I have been able to secure funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships.
I was already a member of the Community and Hospital Pharmacy sections respectively of the Federation of International Pharmacists before coming to study at the University of Arizona. I had set a goal for membership of three other professional bodies: American Public Health Association, American Industrial Hygiene Association, and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists--all have been accomplished.
I have the desire to pay back the tax-paying public for supporting my education. APHA was thus the first professional body on my agenda. As an individual who is community oriented, I feel that I can contribute my own quota in enhancing the health of the average American, especially on environmental and occupational issues.
I believe it is possible to further strengthen the clout of the section. The first impression I got from a senior colleague about the section was equivocal. This was almost corroborated. I am hoping to bring my love for writing within the limits of my tight academic schedule to the table. I have the belief that the more the section communicates with its members and gets them involved in section activities, the stronger and more effective it will be.
It would be nice to see a situation where new members are made to have a feel for section activities quickly; a situation where they blend into the section fast. It would also be nice to welcome new members almost instantaneously - as soon as their names are forwarded to the section. The section executives may also communicate frequently with new members with the aim of tapping into their knowledge base. They may also serve as facilitators to all members in the area of networking. A sub-committee to welcome new members may be a good idea.