The first ever Public Health Leadership Programs were established in England during 1998/9. This paper will present progress to date and lessons for shared learning. The two pilot Programs are based in London and Birmingham and are quite distinct in terms of content, duration and participants. The results of the first two years' experience of the London Program, which has been modelled in part on the US Public Health Leadership Institute, will be presented. A proven strength of the London Program is its intersectoral and multidisciplinary culture. Participation, although aimed at senior health and allied administrators and clinical professionals, is not restricted to those working in public health - every applicant, regardless of whether s/he works in the medical care sector, public health or academia, for example, must 'sign up' to the aspiration of becoming a 'Health Leader', hence the name of the Program, "Leading for Health". During the past year there has been interest in expanding the existing pilot Programs to become a national Public Health Leadership Program. Debate has focussed on the need to produce measurable benefits, not only for program participants, but also for the communities they serve. By the start of the new Millennium, the case for expansion had been developed. The presentation will report on progress made towards developing a national Public Health Leadership Program in England, and what value there could be in strengthening links with the Network of Programs in the US, including opportunities for international scholars.
Learning Objectives: At close of presentation, participants will be able to understand public health leadership in the intersectoral context of the UK health system and apply lessons learned there to the US experience
Keywords: Leadership, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Reference will be made to The National Health Service in England
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.