This summer, I served as the Public Health Strategy & Innovation Intern at the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP). During my time, I engaged with the national landscape of maternal and child health systems, focusing on perinatal substance use disorder (SUD), quality improvement, and workforce development. I found a field marked by complexity, urgency, and hope, filled with dedicated individuals committed to improving care for families.
During my fellowship, I participated in team meetings and webinars, gaining insights into the need for effective coordination among stakeholders for meaningful systems change. I learned that while data is essential for storytelling, it gains impact when paired with lived experiences.
This experience deepened my understanding of how national strategies lead to local impacts, emphasizing collaboration and trust in the field. As a Maternal & Child Health graduate student, this fellowship reaffirmed my commitment to advancing health equity for pregnant and parenting individuals, especially those facing substance use challenges and structural barriers.
If you're considering a fellowship with AMCHP or entering the field, stay curious and ask questions. Embrace the complexities of maternal and child health, build relationships, and remain focused on equity. Remember that every action relates back to real families, and take ownership of your role to foster personal growth.