This morning I got a preview of what those of you who are signed up for Thursday’s Advocacy Day will experience. Since I will not be able to stay in DC until Thursday, I decided to take some time while I was here to visit the office of my own Congressman, Representative Michael McCaul. While the Congressman was not able to meet me himself, I spoke with DoD fellow Christian Lyons (who manages his foreign affairs portfolio) and made my case for global health funding. While he was very polite and expressed support for my concerns, he was just as eager to raise some issues of his own, so be prepared to answer questions and be on your toes!
After a long walk back from Capitol Hill, I took my “passport” to the Public Health Expo, determined to put my name in for the drawing (go free registration for APHA12!). Walking around the expo is a great way to scope out job opportunities, pick up stress balls, and get free smoothies. For me, it is also a great way to get comfortable with meeting and talking to people. If networking does not come naturally to you (it has always been awkward for me), the best way to get good at it is to practice.
In the afternoon, I attended a session on refugee health. Those presentations were particularly interesting to me, as I have done some research and writing on the side related to displacement and refugee health issues. We heard from researchers who work with refugee populations, as well as a very interesting presentation from a representative from Physicians for Human Rights.
At the IH Social this evening, members got together to chat, make connections, and reminisce as we honored this year’s section awardees. Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners. Pictures will follow soon!
IH CONNECT 