On November 1, 2011, the Academic Health Department (AHD) Learning Community held its first in-person meeting. Chair of the AHD Workgroup, C. William Keck, MD, MPH, welcomed both current and prospective Learning Community members and introduced the AHD concept and the Learning Community. Learning Community members offered examples of well-established and newly formed AHDs, discussing the benefits of partnering and the challenges faced. Especially featured were the long-standing AHD partnerships of the Jefferson County (AL) Department of Health and the new partnership between the University of Tennessee Department of Public Health and the Knox County (TN) Health Department. In addition to the research and service provision benefits related to the collaboration within AHDs, the presenters highlighted the fact that training students in a variety of health professions, including public health, medicine, dentistry, nutrition, and pharmacy, exposes students to public health career opportunities and helps them gain experience in the practice environment.

A theme of discussion throughout the meeting was that AHDs often start small and informally, when individuals or departments with pre-existing relationships work together on projects and initiatives. Formal agreements between institutions may develop at a later time. Presenters stressed that the formation of AHDs requires strong advocates within both the health departments and academic institutions involved, and encouraged attendees to promote the benefits of creating AHDs. 

The impact of current economic conditions on developing and sustaining AHDs was also discussed. Budget cuts and hiring freezes can make it more challenging to hire new personnel, such as an AHD Coordinator, but they can also help make the case for AHDs by emphasizing the value of shared resources and collaboration.

Following the meeting, the AHD Learning Community welcomed nine new members to its growing ranks. Please join the Learning Community for its next conference call meeting on December 8, 2011 from 2:30-4:00 pm EST. To participate in the Learning Community and its meetings, contact Kathleen Amos at [email protected].