Norwood Health Commissioner selected for national program

Let’s all congratulate Pamela Walker-Bauer for being selected as one of only 24 fellows across the country to participate in the “Survive and Thrive” program!

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

I have recently learned that the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), supported with a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has selected me as a fellow for a program called “Survive and Thrive: Roadmap for New Local Health Officials.” “Survive and Thrive” is a workforce development initiative for new local health officers with less than two years of experience. The application process was highly competitive with only 24 individuals selected from across the country. I am also the only health commissioner in Ohio selected for this opportunity. Applicants were chosen based on a proven track record of public health experience and leadership aspirations.

NACCHO developed this program to help new local health officers during the challenging early years of one’s career as the lead official in a local health organization hoping to foster and facilitate success. NACCHO states that I will have “the opportunity to engage with seasoned colleagues, learn new skills and apply practical hands on experience to the challenges and opportunities presented by my unique role as a local health official (LHO).” I will be assigned a mentor/coach and as a Survive and Thrive Fellow, I must do the following:

1. commit approximately 100 hours, including teleconferences, coaching, and in-person workshops, as well as some assignments
2. attend and be an active contributor to all three in-person workshops:

Orientation Webinar, May 26, 2010, 3:00 P.M. E.D.T.
Coaches Introduction Webinar, June, 24, 2010, 3:00 P.M. E.D.T.
Workshop 1, on July 13-14, 2010 in Memphis, TN.
Workshop 2, February 10-11, 2011 in TBD
Workshop 3, July 19, 2011 in Hartford, CT

3. participate in scheduled teleconferences
4. complete all assigned self-assessments
5. complete all evaluation instruments
6. complete all reading, program materials, and assignments
7. develop a learning contract and an individual development plan
8. work with a coach
9. have access to a computer with high-speed Internet access

I am greatly appreciative of the support I have received from the representatives of the Norwood Board of Health on my participation in this program. Even though I have been the Norwood Health Commissioner for nearly one year (June 1, 2010), I still have a great deal to learn, especially since the first 9 months of my career was devoted almost entirely to the H1N1 Flu Pandemic. Furthermore, I am most proud to represent the City of Norwood, the Norwood Board of Health, and the Norwood Health Department at the national level!

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Health Commissioner
Norwood City Health Department