Ensure that MCH training in all disciplines includes leadership skills
Improve recruitment into MCH training programs
Identify people who have potential to provide
leadership in MCH and foster their development
Rationale:
Beginning with The Future of Public Health report published by the Institute of Medicine in 1988, the critical need for leadership training has been well documented.
Leadership training is a distinguishing characteristic of the MCH Training Program. Leadership training prepares MCH health care professionals to move beyond excellent clinical practice or public health practice to leadership, through research, teaching, administration, and advocacy.
Graduates of MCH Leadership training programs improve the system of care for women, mothers, and children. MCH Training curricula include content and experiences to foster the development of leadership attributes.
The goal of leadership training is to prepare trainees who have shown evidence of leadership attributes and who have the potential for further growth and development as leaders. In order to accomplish this goal, trainees must achieve a variety of competencies. The goal of leadership training is to prepare trainees who have shown evidence of leadership attributes and who have the potential for further growth and development as leaders. In order to accomplish this goal, trainees must achieve a variety of competencies. In the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Competencies, version 2.0, the MCH Leadership Competencies Work Group defines MCH leadership, provides a conceptual framework for how MCH leaders develop, and defines MCH Leadership Competencies, including definitions, and basis and advanced skills. In addition to this document, the MCH Leadership Competencies web site includes educational experiences for each competency area, readings, web sites, assessment tools, and examples of how the competencies are being used by others. A discussion forum provides a place for you to post your materials, comment on the competencies, etc.
MCH Leadership Defined:
An MCH Leader inspires and brings people together to achieve sustainable results to improve the lives of the MCH population.
Adapted from: George, B. (2006, October 30). Truly authentic leadership. U.S. News & World Report, 52.
An MCH leader is one who understands and supports MCH values, mission, and goals with a sense of purpose and moral commitment.
He or she values interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity and brings the capacity to think critically about MCH issues at both the population and individual levels, as well as to communicate and work with others and use self-reflection.
The MCH leader possesses core knowledge of MCH populations and their needs and demonstrates professionalism in attitudes and working habits.
He or she continually seeks new knowledge and improvement of abilities and skills central to effective, evidence-based leadership.
The MCH leader is also committed to sustaining an infrastructure to recruit, train and mentor future MCH leaders to ensure the health and well-being of tomorrow’s children and families.
Finally, the MCH leader is responsive to the changing political, social, scientific, and demographic context and demonstrates the capability to change quickly and adapt in the face of emerging challenges and opportunities.
