A parting thought....

Professionalism

A few months ago, I was asked to speak to a group of sanitarians in Michigan on the subject of professionalism. The first thought that came to mind in relation to professionalism was the issue of credentialing. All professions have credentials, and in environmental health we certainly have our share of them. I had to ask myself, however, whether credentials automatically confer professional status in the field of environmental health. True, a doctor or a lawyer is considered a professional immediately upon earning that medical or law degree. Why shouldn't we have the same status upon earning our degrees?

It seemed to me that until I could answer some questions, I still could not be satisfied that we as sanitarians have achieved the status of professionals. For instance, how does our education increase our perception of our own professionalism? Do the professional organizations we belong to and the degree to which we take part in those organizations add to the perception that we are professionals? The answer, of course, lies within each and every one of us. It has become very obvious to me that in our profession one has to earn the status of a professional. We make ourselves professional not only through credentials and education, but also by the way we use those credentials, by the way we apply that education, and by the way we use our accumulated experience. In other words, we earn professional status by the way we conduct ourselves with the public we serve, by the way we relate to our peers and colleagues, by how we interact with the industry we must work with, and, most important, by the way we perceive ourselves. The choice is ours to make, not only collectively as a profession, but also individually as we seek the answers to the questions I posed to that group of very interested and aspiring environmental health professionals last March.

The Challenges of Professional Involvement

As my presidency comes to an end, I would like to share a few thoughts and experiences from this past year. When I made my nominating speech in Orlando in 1993 for the office of second vice president, I remarked to those in attendance that I was surprised that so few members made the commitment to run for such a prestigious position. "Why is it," I asked, "that so few members run for national office?" I now have the answer to the question I posed that day! To put it very succinctly, I can tell you that serving on our national board of directors is something that I wish every member could experience; however, I would not wish it upon anyone! The rewards are numerous: I visited places such as England, Alaska, Michigan, and Montana. I had uncountable conversations with fellow members. And I had the privilege of working with a board of directors and a staff in Denver who are dedicated to making NEHA the finest professional organization possible. The downside is, of course, the constant pressure to answer e-mail, voice mail, phone calls, and letters; to write this column for the Journal; and to work all those extra hours to hold down two "jobs." It seems like an impossible task when viewed from a distance. From within, however, the experience is unique and must be lived to be appreciated. I can tell you this: I wouldn't trade this past year for any of the previous 29 years I have spent practicing environmental health.

I hope the future finds you interested and involved enough in this unique profession we call environmental health to seriously consider raising that hand and getting involved. Volunteer for something - anything. Find a way to use the special talents, resources, and energy that you and you alone bring to the table. That involvement is the very lifeblood of this organization and this profession. Only your personal commitment can get the job done.

Have the best year possible, and thanks for allowing me to serve you.