When Michelle Wong from University of Southern California first conceived the idea for a global network of students and early career professionals in public health one of her aims was to bring what she knew to be a dynamic group of individuals together to share ideas, discuss global health challenges and solutions and to give a voice to these ‘up-and-coming’ academics and health professionals.
In November 2005 Michelle and her Early Career Network development team succeeded in their aim by attracting around 40 public health students and professionals representing over 10 countries to its first ever workshop at the 37th APACPH Conference in Taipei. The theme for the workshop was ‘Identifying and Understanding the Region’s Major Public Health Issues’ and attendees were encouraged to share the major health challenges of their respective countries and provide insight into possible avenues to address these issues. Just as importantly, attendees were enthusiastic at the idea of a network, run by them and for them, and its potential to provide support, advice and information on all aspects of public health. There was genuine excitement for the future of the Early Career Network and discussion and ideas continued to flow over the following days of the conference.
“The ECN workshop harnessed the energy of early career public health professionals, students and well-respected leaders in the field in an interactive session that was informative, entertaining and sometimes very funny! It was most certainly the best conference I have attended to date…”
Kolitha Wickramage, WHO, Sri Lanka
