The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) Annual Conference is one of the country’s largest maternal and child health (MCH) professional gatherings. AMCHP 2024 - Partnering with Purpose was held from April 13 to April 16 at the Oakland Marriott City Center with over 1,300 attendees.
Read below for more insight from graduating LEAP and MPH students regarding this professional development experience, including their favorite workshops and lessons learned.
Pictured: An open art exhibit about Black Maternal Health.
Jaimie Millizent Lee
Advanced LEAP Scholar, Class of 2024
AMCHP was my first conference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet with and learn from interdisciplinary MCAH professionals. As an aspiring epidemiologist, I attended various workshops in data collection, assessment, and evaluation where I gained key skills to inform my future work, such as editing the questions on an intake survey for birthing persons to be more accessible and to reduce potential retraumatization. Throughout the conference, a key theme was building trust in the research process through community partnerships.
Lastly, the post-conference social at the Oakland Museum was a refreshing way to end the weekend. The open dinner, dance floor, and exhibitions all reaffirmed the importance of self-care and cross-collaboration as we continue to promote maternal, child, and adolescent health. Thank you so much to the LEAP Program for their support!
Pictured: From left to right, Jaimie, Samantha, Indira, Julia, Angie, and Soniya attending a post-conference networking and social event at the Oakland Museum of California.
Samantha Tapia
Advanced LEAP Scholar, Class of 2024
I was very grateful and excited to attend the 2024 AMCHP Conference this April since it was my first ever conference. As I reflect on my experience, there were many moments throughout the weekend that reaffirmed my interests in pursuing maternal health. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a space where professionals from all over the United States were working in various sectors within Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. The most intriguing workshop I attended discussed the rising mortality cases in the United States due to congenital syphilis. More so, this workshop was facilitated by multiple professionals in biology, medicine, and public health, who were all dedicated to preventing syphilis related deaths. In many of the workshops, I gained perspective into how different federal, local, and community partners were addressing these pertinent MCAH issues through collaborative conversations, icebreakers, or facilitated activities.
I cannot wait to return to the next annual AMCHP Conference and many other Public Health conferences in the future! I would like to extend my gratitude to the MCAH LEAP Program, UC Berkeley Center of Excellence, and the Biology Scholars Program for making it possible for me to attend my first conference as a public health undergraduate student!”
Angie Zhao
Advanced LEAP Scholar, Class of 2024
As a first-time attendee of the conference, I feel honored to be part of the discussion initiated by AMCHP at the end of my undergraduate studies. Every person I've spoken with and every conversation I've had has bolstered my professional confidence and solidified my determination in the MCAH field.
Pictured: Samantha and Angie attending a workshop in Addressing Congenital Syphilis together.
Hui Zou
MPH in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Class of 2024
The conference was informative and motivating. It was exciting and empowering to cheer for the female leaders at the prize award ceremony, which highlighted the significant contributions and achievements they made within the MCAH community. The discussions on preterm birth prevention reduction, conversations with doula agencies, and workshops on peer support and sensitivity required in data collection, gave me a nuanced understanding of the ongoing challenges that affect maternal and child health outcomes. While admiring the dedication and commitment our colleagues from all over the country put into advancing MCAH, I realized that a lot of work needs to be done.
Pictured: Hui at the Oakland Marriott City Center.