Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for both academic growth and personal development—especially in fields that tackle complex and often underrepresented public health issues. In this blog, Barbara Hugonin Rao, reflects on her experience in the EUPHAnxt Mentoring Programme. Guided by Angela Giusti, she explored critical topics in Child and Adolescent Public Health, navigated future career pathways, and built lasting connections within a supportive, cross-disciplinary community.
Mentor: Angela Giusti, Senior Researcher, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
Mentee: Barbara Hugonin Rao
My experience as a mentee with the EUPHAnxt Mentoring Programme
When I applied to the EUPHA Mentoring Programme, I was looking for an opportunity to grow not only in my professional skills but also in my vision of public health. For my strong interest in maternal and child health, I was eager to learn from experts who have dedicated their work to evidence-based strategies that improve the well-being of women, children, and families.
I had the privilege of being mentored by Angela Giusti from the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), whose longstanding commitment to the promotion of breastfeeding and maternal health has been both inspiring and practical. From the very first meetings, Angela guided me with clarity and generosity, sharing not only knowledge but also the importance of a holistic and human-centered approach to health promotion.
Throughout the programme, I reflected on how public health interventions must balance evidence with empathy. One of the key lessons I gained was the central role of communication: promoting breastfeeding and maternal health is not only about clinical recommendations, but about empowering women, listening to their needs, and building supportive environments that make healthy choices easier and more sustainable.
I was particularly struck by the organisation of training activities for both parents and professionals in the maternal and child health field. These initiatives showed me how crucial education is, not only for families but also for those who work alongside them, and how much thoughtful organisational work lies behind making such opportunities accessible and effective.
Equally inspiring was the focus of Angela and her team on the first 1000 days of life, a sensitive and decisive period for laying the foundations of lifelong health and well-being.
This mentoring journey gave me concrete tools and broader perspectives. It reinforced the idea that public health is not an abstract concept but a lived experience that requires dialogue, trust, and cultural sensitivity. I also discovered how international collaboration and networking can amplify the impact of local actions, bridging experiences and knowledge across contexts.
On a personal level, the programme has been a source of encouragement. It reminded me that professional growth is also about community – learning together, supporting each other, and believing in the transformative power of health promotion.
Looking ahead, I intend to bring these insights into my work with families and colleagues, contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and evidence-based approach to maternal and child health. I warmly recommend the EUPHA Mentoring Programme to anyone wishing to broaden their horizons in public health: it is a valuable opportunity to be guided, inspired, and challenged.
The opportunity to continue collaborating — for example, contributing to the communication and translation work of the European training course on breastfeeding — makes me consider this mentoring experience not only as a valuable achievement but also as a starting point. This is possible thanks to the competence and warm welcome of my mentor and her entire team.
I am grateful to Angela Giusti for her mentorship and to EUPHA for offering this unique programme, which I will carry forward in both my professional and personal journey.
I am happy to contribute to the workshop “Round table: EUPHAnxt Mentoring Programme: insights from Mentees” at the upcoming EPHC in Helsinki to raise awareness of the programme — join us on Thursday, November 13, from 15:15 to 16:15 (UTC+02:00) to learn more!