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Carla Ostberg, REHS Environmental Health Program Supervisor Pitkin County Environmental Health & Natural Resources Department carla.ostberg@cehaweb.com |
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The 2008 CEHA Annual Education Conference (AEC) held in Breckenridge last month was a huge success, as many of you who were able to attend can attribute. A conference of this caliber is only possible as a result of many months of planning and coordination on the part of the AEC Planning Committee and other dedicated CEHA members. In addition to the conference providing excellent opportunities for continuing education, it is also a forum for networking with fellow environmental health professionals.
This year’s conference brought many familiar faces as well as new ones. It was exciting to see newcomers to the profession with fresh enthusiasm and new ideas to contribute. It made me think about the numerous ways we can continue to learn and grow to keep pace with our exciting and evolving profession.
For those considering advanced degrees, there is a wide selection of accredited environmental and public health oriented programs to choose from with increasing opportunities for distance learning through online access. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Public Health program through the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Although extremely challenging, I have found the course work to be a great supplement to my career and daily job responsibilities.
Another exciting event in the academic world is the Colorado School of Public Health Initiative www.coloradosph.org. Right in our back yard, the Colorado School of Public Health is a compellation of programs and courses offered through the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. The planned school will offer Master and Doctoral degrees, certificate programs, continuing education, as well as other academic opportunities.
Whether you choose to pursue an advanced degree, obtain registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or other credentialing, participate in training or seminars, or expand your scope of knowledge through every day “on the job” experience, our vocation will continue to evolve and it is important to keep pace with emerging issues and challenges. Regardless of how we adapt to these changes, our collective goal to protect the environment and public health remains constant.
I look forward to another exciting and productive year for CEHA. As members, your participation is welcome and encouraged to ensure the continued success of this organization. If you have any questions or ideas you would like to share, please feel free to contact me or any member of the Board.
Sincerely,
Carla Ostberg, CEHA President