What does it take to run a public health laboratory? A PhD in microbiology? Years of experience working in a lab? Extensive knowledge of laboratory testing techniques? In addition to technical competence, laboratory leaders must be able to manage a budget, motivate staff, advocate for funding, organize committees, and understand legislative processes. APHL supports laboratory professionals to strengthen their leadership potential.
Leadership Programs
APHL sponsors leadership development and fellowship programs, leads an annual orientation for new public health laboratory directors, and coordinates or provides educational sessions and forums to advance careers in public health laboratory science and shape the direction of the field. Initiatives include:
Mentorship Opportunities
The Public Health Laboratory Internship and Fellowship
Programs offer mentorship opportunities that can be a stepping stone to
management and leadership positions. Mentorships may offer bench-level
scientists an opportunity to explore and gauge their interest into further
developing supervisory, management and leadership skills that can strengthen
the public health laboratory workforce. Learn more.
Emerging Leader Program (ELP)
The ELP is a twelve-month leadership development program that offers unique training opportunities and the chance to collaborate on a project addressing pressing workforce issues.
Learn more.
Emerging Leader Alumni Network (ELAN)
ELAN members further enhance their leadership development by coordinating hot topic forums, serving as peer coaches for current emerging leaders, and promoting workforce development training and projects. Learn more.
Laboratory Leaders of Today
Previously delivered as the New Laboratory Directors’ Orientation
A hybrid delivery for new laboratory directors and assistant directors addressing critical operational issues in member laboratories. The program includes virtual sessions and in-person networking and leadership training. Additionally, laboratory leaders will have opportunities to network and build partnerships with federal agencies. Click here to learn more about our current Laboratory Leaders of Today cohort.
Boot Camp for Public Health Laboratory Board Exams
The Laboratory Director Board Examination Boot Camp is a multi-week virtual program designed to help jump-start the studying process for the Board Exam, which is required to direct high-complexity laboratory testing. Learn more.
We are currently seeking Live Subject Matter Experts/Moderators for each live session, as well as Lead Subject Matter Experts for developing session content. For this iteration, APHL will be providing compensation for these roles. For detailed information on these roles, please refer to the Roles and Responsibilities document.
Online DrPH for Public Health Laboratorians
This Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) track in Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice provides advanced training in laboratory science and practice for those preparing for leadership roles in public health laboratory settings. This online program offered in collaboration with the University of South Florida can be completed while working and partial grant funding for tuition may be available for those accepted. Learn more or contact Dr. Jill Roberts.
Questions?
For more information, contact APHL's Leadership Program at Leadership@aphl.org.