Why did you decide to pursue a career in public health?
I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, and moved to the U.S. by myself when I was 18 years old to attend college on a Rotary scholarship. In my junior year, I took a biomedical ethics class that included a field trip to the CDC Museum in Atlanta. By the end of the day, I knew my career would be in public health, and by the next summer I was preparing for grad school at GSU! The idea of a population-focused field inspired me, and I wanted to be involved in work that could potentially impact the lives of millions of people.
How did the GSU School of Public Health prepare you for your career?
GSU SPH gave me the foundation for everything I’ve done. It equipped me to focus on the social determinants of health, and to see how the broader picture of public health extends beyond obvious physical health. Also, in one of my classes, then-president of the Task Force for Global Health Mark Rosenberg was one of the speakers, talking about a Task Force project on road safety in Latin America. I looked into the organization after I graduated, and three years later, I landed a job within their secretariat for field epidemiology training programs–and here I am, 13 years later, still thriving at the Task Force!
What advice do you have for students interested in public health?
Bottom line: Go for it! We need you! Also, consider that working for the federal government is not the only career path. State, tribal, local and territorial (STLT) health departments in the U.S. need fresh perspectives, ideas and innovations, and kicking off your career at a STLT agency will open so many doors for you down the line. We find that our staff who started off in STLT health departments have a better understanding and appreciation of how public health works. Also, explore different areas of public health to find your passion–consider epidemiology, informatics or policy.
What advice would you give to current public health students?
Take the entry-level job. Roll up your sleeves and work hard; take every opportunity to grow and develop that is offered to you. My first couple of public health jobs, I did it all, including the non-glamorous parts of public health–logistics, administrative tasks, etc. The attitude “that’s below my pay grade” will only hold you back. Collaborate with others and help others shine, and someone will notice. Learn how to communicate effectively, and try to find creative solutions to get the work done!
But also, as I reflect on the early days of my career, learn to say “no” when your plate is truly full. Take time off, and practice self-care so that you can stay passionate and avoid burning out.
What’s your favorite GSU SPH memory?
I had access to world-class faculty at GSU. I will never forget taking a class with Dr. Marshall Kreuter (the foremost expert on health program planning, implementation and evaluation) and sitting there thinking, “He is the guy who literally wrote the book! How lucky am I?”
I was in the fifth graduating MPH class, and I would have been among the first 33 students to graduate with an MPH from GSU. In those early days, GSU SPH was a very intimate experience, with so few students that we would organize outings. I remember going to the Brick Store Pub in downtown Decatur. I still love downtown Decatur to this day, and I feel so lucky to both live and work there. (It’s truly greater in Decatur!)