Fellow PHS engineers and architects – one of the most important benefits of the Engineer Professional Advisory Committee (EPAC) is the Mentoring Program.   This program is available to Civil Service and Commissioned Corps engineers and architects.   As a junior engineer or architect, you now have an opportunity to take advantage of a strong EPAC mentoring program that will help you with the multitude of decisions that you must make along your career path and life journey.   If the mentoring experiences are successful at the personal level, the PHS will benefit from improved recruitment/retention and a workforce of competent, capable, confident engineers and architects. 

Mentoring is a key element of building leadership in an organization.  It can be accomplished in a variety of formal and informal approaches such as coaching, training, discussion, and counseling.  The protégé has the opportunity to observe leadership skills from a more experienced individual who’s “been there, done that,” learning from mistakes and building on successful practices.  The mentor has the opportunity for sharing experiences, modeling good judgment, establishing a vision, motivating, and advising, all of which are leadership practices.  Both parties gain from this joint venture.

Today, mentoring is practiced at all levels of academics, throughout corporations and in government.  It is an important part of many social initiatives.  Esteemed engineers and architects often credit mentoring relationships as a significant factor in their career development, satisfaction, and success. 

I encourage all senior engineers and architects to consider investing time in growing the PHS engineer and architect leaders of tomorrow.  The EPAC needs your commitment now and in the future.  The program will be continually improved through evaluation, implementing changes, and measuring results.  And I encourage all junior engineers and architects to take advantage of it.  Whether serving as a mentor, protégé, or helping to develop new ideas, there are many ways you can contribute to this important endeavor.

The PHS engineers and architects are a vital part of the public health team responsible for promoting and protecting the health our country.    Skillful mentoring of each new generation by the one that preceded it will ensure that the PHS continues to have a strong workforce necessary to accomplish this most important mission.  Our young engineers and architects need dedicated mentors who can share wise guidance and friendship.   Please consider this great opportunity for personal and professional growth, whether as a mentor or protégé.  The benefits will be with you for the rest of your career.   

Richard F. Barror, Ph.D., MPH, P.E.
RADM, USPHS
Chief Engineer Officer

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