PH-IDEAS Team's Participation at APHA 2024
October 27-30, 2024 - The PH-IDEAS team from the University of Memphis School of Public Health recently attended the APHA 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This event brought together public health professionals from around the world to discuss groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in public health.
Photo Gallery
Group photo - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Participants discussing - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Michael Arthur Ofori presenting - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Niharika Jha presenting - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Zebunnesa Zeba presenting - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Shongkour Roy presenting to guests - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Zebunnesa Zeba presenting to guests - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Zebunnesa Zeba and Niharika Jha, MPH - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Michael Arthur Ofori, MPhil, Niharika Jha, MPH and Shongkour Roy, MS - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Shongkour Roy, MS - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Michael Arthur Ofori, MPhil - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Niharika Jha, MPH - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Group photo of four - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Group photo - at APHA 2024
- PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Dean Ashish Joshi as a Panelist - at APHA 2024
Group Photo - PH-IDEAS Team at APHA 2024
Key Presentations by PH-IDEAS Team
Transforming Public Health Data Through Visual Communication
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., a groundbreaking roundtable and poster session titled "Visual Communication of Public Health Data: A Scoping Review" captivated attendees. Led by Michael Arthur Ofori and his distinguished co-authors, this session was a highlight of the Health Informatics Information Technology program. The team unveiled a comprehensive scoping review, showcasing innovative strategies to make complex public health data more accessible and impactful. The interactive format sparked a dynamic exchange of ideas, with discussions on case studies, best practices, and the challenges faced in the field. Attendees left inspired and equipped with actionable insights to revolutionize public health communication.
Pioneering Data Modernization in U.S. Public Health
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., the poster session "Best Practices for Data Modernization Across the United States Public Health: A Scoping Review" drew significant attention. Presented by Zebunnesa Zeba and her expert team, this session was a key feature of the Health Administration program. The discussion centered on transformative strategies for modernizing public health data systems, addressing critical challenges such as outdated systems and data silos. The team shared successful implementations and case studies, highlighting the impact of modernized data systems on decision-making and public health responses. Participants departed with a substantial amount of knowledge and actionable insights to advance their data modernization initiatives.
Addressing Health Equity Through Digital Infrastructure
Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., the poster session "Digital Health Infrastructure Challenges to Support Health Equity in the United States: A Scoping Review" made a profound impact. Shongkour Roy and his esteemed co-authors presented their findings as part of the Health Informatics Information Technology program. The session highlighted significant barriers to achieving health equity through digital infrastructure, such as data interoperability issues, access to technology, and the digital divide. The team proposed innovative solutions and shared successful case studies, emphasizing the importance of robust digital health systems in promoting health equity. The engaging discussion gave attendees crucial insights and strategies to bridge the digital divide and enhance health equity.
Advancing Emotional Literacy and Trauma-Informed Care
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., the oral presentation "Feasibility Study of Emotional Literacy, Trauma-Informed Care, and Collective Well-Being Intervention (ELiT-C Intervention)" resonated deeply with attendees. Niharika Jha and her accomplished co-authors presented this session as a cornerstone of the Community Health Planning and Policy Development program. The study explored the effectiveness of the ELiT-C Intervention, which aims to enhance emotional literacy, provide trauma-informed care, and promote collective well-being. The team discussed the study's methodology, key findings, and the positive impact of the intervention on participants' well-being. The session's dynamic format fostered meaningful dialogue, with attendees engaging in discussions and posing insightful questions. The presentation concluded with practical recommendations for broader implementation and future research in emotional literacy and trauma-informed care.
Highlights and Takeaways
- Engagement with Cutting-Edge Research: The PH-IDEAS team presented their latest findings on various public health topics, including data modernization, digital health infrastructure, and emotional literacy interventions.
- Networking Opportunities: Team members had the chance to connect with leading experts and peers in the field, fostering collaborations and sharing insights.
- Innovative Solutions: The presentations highlighted innovative approaches to public health challenges, emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies and health equity.
Feedback
Feedback from the PH-IDEAS team's presentations and the overall experience:
- Zebunnesa Zeba, a first-year attendee, expressed her gratitude: "This conference has been an extraordinary experience, particularly as it is my inaugural visit to the APHA conference - a prestigious event. I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and assistance I have received throughout this journey. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dean Dr. Joshi for affording us this remarkable opportunity in my first year."
- Michael Arthur Ofori, a public health student majoring in Biostatistics, shared his comprehensive experience: " As a public health student majoring in Biostatistics, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting in Minneapolis. This was my first time attending such an event, and it proved to be incredibly beneficial. The APHA annual convention enabled me to present my work, network with industry experts, and gain valuable knowledge.
I showcased my research through a roundtable discussion and a poster presentation. Engaging with attendees who visited my poster allowed me to discuss my work in detail, which was instrumental in developing my communication skills and receiving constructive feedback to enhance my project. The roundtable discussion format provided a platform to delve deeper into my research focus and hear diverse perspectives from other participants. The active and productive debates during these sessions encouraged me to adopt more flexible ways of thinking about my work.
Beyond presenting my research, the APHA conference offered numerous opportunities for interaction and knowledge expansion. I established connections with professors, researchers, and practitioners from across the nation who share a passion for public health. These conversations introduced me to new concepts, innovations, and potential collaborations that I can explore further.
The variety and quality of sessions, keynote speeches, and workshops at APHA exposed me to the latest advances in community and public health research and practice. This experience broadened my understanding of the field and inspired me to refine my work. Attending APHA 2024 was an invaluable experience that enriched me both academically and professionally. The practical outcomes from my presentations and networking activities helped me develop my research skills, boost my confidence in communication, and lay a solid foundation for future opportunities.
Above all, the conference reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a degree in public health and underscored the importance of working towards societal change. The knowledge and insights I gained will strengthen my future contributions to the discipline. This experience was made possible through the support of the Center for Public Health Informatics Data Equity Analytics and System (PH-IDEAS), led by Professor Ashish Joshi, PhD, MBBS, MPH."
The PH-IDEAS team's participation in APHA 2024 underscored their commitment to advancing public health through research, collaboration, and innovation. Their contributions to the conference were well-received and showcased the impactful work being done at the University of Memphis, School of Public Health.
For more details about the PH-IDEAS team's work and their presentations at APHA 2024, visit the PH-IDEAS website.