In recognition of the principle that theory and research must be translated into practice, the UIC-SPH has developed a year-long leadership development program for each class of Fellows, which is facilitated and conducted by a cadre of Faculty and Mentors. Together they examine the characteristics, skills, attributes and best practices of effective public health leadership.

The Institute begins with a four-day conference that kicks-off the year-long learning experience. MARPHLI conferences offer cutting-edge presentations by national public health leaders. During the conference Fellows also meet in teams with a pre-assigned Mentor to discuss leadership concepts, and to begin to develop a public health case study. The case study is one of three required assignments, and is completed in the first six months of the fellowship.

Fellows are convened again at six months for a second conference to further develop leadership tools and skills. Each team presents their case study for discussion and critique by their Institute peers. Fellows also begin their second team assignment, a technical assistance project. The goal of this project is to provide a sponsoring organization with the technical resources and knowledge of a MARPHLI team. The identification of a project topic is negotiated by team members, and is presented as a poster session during the final conference.

The twelve-month meeting focuses on the development of critical communication tools and skills. Fellows have the opportunity to learn from national media experts and state elected officials. During the course of the year, Fellows also produce an individual project- the Mentor/Agency project. This is similar to the technical assistance project, but is conducted on an individual basis. Fellows select a local mentor that will offer guidance in identifying a suitable project. The Mentor/Agency project provides the opportunity to apply leadership skills and technical expertise to a local problem or need. At the twelve-month meeting, Fellows will present their individual Mentor/Agency projects in a roundtable format.

Mentors

A fundamental component of the program is the mentoring system. Mentors are accomplished, recognized public health leaders who contribute to the development of other, less experienced leaders. Mentors serve as trusted friends and advisors. The program provides two mentors for each fellow: the Mentor Advocate and the Mentor/Agency Advisor.

Within the Institute's mentoring system, a small group of Fellows work together with one Mentor. This is the Mentor Advocate, who serves as teacher, counselor, friend and "encourager" to each MARPHLI team throughout the year. The Mentor Advocate fosters collaboration and facilitates the team's work on assignments, and contributes "best leadership practices" to Fellows' discussions as the case studies and technical assistance projects are developed. This relationship helps Fellows apply what they have learned.

The Mentor/Agency Advisor is a senior-level professional at the Fellow's agency, and serves as a local sponsor and counselor. The Mentor/Agency Advisor, together with the Fellow, develop a shared vision about the leadership development program. He or she provides appropriate opportunities within the agency and helps the Fellow apply newfound skills at the worksite.

The formal relationships established within the mentoring system last for the duration of the official Institute program year; but the formation of lifelong friendships and networking linkages is an important and sustaining by-product of the MARPHLI mentoring model.