Laura Mitvalsky is a true success story for DoD’s Research Participation Programs. Assigned to the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine–Europe (USACHPPM-Europe) in May 1995, Laura has focused on health promotion using her information systems background. Today, she is making the transition into the role of heading the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness at USACHPPM-Europe.

Laura’s research appointment has been busy over the last three years. Under the guidance of her mentor, Ken Croft, Laura’s efforts have led to several accomplishments:

• Development of a Worksite Wellness Program to improve the health and fitness of USACHPPM–Europe soldiers and civilians
• Publication of the bimonthly USACHPPM–Europe Wellness Newsletter
• Development and delivery of stress management briefings to units being deployed to Bosnia
• Participation in training and technical support for health risk appraisals in Europe
• Contributions to the training for approximately 4,400 personnel in behavioral health education, as well as numerous technical briefings

During her ORISE appointment, Laura also had the opportunity to implement standardized training in the U.S. Army Europe Health Promotion Program, host training programs for the medical treatment facilities in the areas of tobacco cessation and HIV/AIDS Instructor training, and develop exportable training packages for the Civilian Fitness Program.

Laura also contributed to the development of a health promotion business plan for USACHPPM that was approved by the Surgeon General and implemented in Europe. The plan includes a comprehensive and cost-effective health promotion program that integrates personal health care responsibility and comprehensive health promotion strategies with appropriate medical services. USACHPPM has received funding for 11 health promotion coordinators, who will be located throughout Europe.

Stephen Kistner, USACHPPM Program Coordinator, stated that Laura has been one of USACHPPM’s true success stories and added that he was very pleased to be able to offer her an employment opportunity with USACHPPM.

For Laura, her appointment has meant finding a satisfying career.

"I think it’s important to make sure that you enjoy what you do. You spend so much of your life working, that if you aren’t happy or satisfied with your job, then you need to find something that does fulfill you. I enjoy my work and I love the people I work with," she said.

Laura earned her B.S. degree in business management from the University of Florida and her M.S. in information systems management from the University of Southern California.

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