Public Health Epidemiology Conversations

This particular episode will be a little different than my typical interviews, because it is more student-focused rather than from the perspective of a career professional. I'm excited to shake things up a bit and hopefully shine some light on the positive activities that my guests are part of, in hopes of it serving as inspiration for other students and schools of public health as well. You'll meet Alexis Hooper and Toni Junious of the Black Public Health Student Network at George Washington University, Milken Institute School Of Public Health.

If you are a regular listener of the podcast, then you've likely heard a recent special promotional announcement from one of our sponsors, MEE Productions. In this episode, you will meet the founder of MEE Productions, Ivan Juzang. Learn about his journey into public health, and his passion to address health disparities and public health issues affecting underserved and devalued communities.

On this episode, you'll meet Samantha Lucas-Pipkorn with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center, and hear about her journey into public health. Samantha is a Senior Epidemiologist and Program Manager. She talks about how they are serving the needs of their community and supporting the tribes during this COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about the program focus and activities before the pandemic to provide a well-rounded view of her work.

Dr. Pierre Vigilance is a health executive with 20 years of experience from the non-profit, government, and academic sectors. His primary expertise is in public health operations management, community health strategies, the social determinants of health, and executive education. He is a systems-level thinker focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

My guest on this episode is Asya Spears, a Biostatistician and CEO of Rose Data Studio. Asya has a desire to use data for social good and is on a mission to equip others with the skills they need to do the same. From writing first lines of code to identifying the best visualizations for data, she has guided hundreds of public health professionals as they apply statistical concepts to design programs and complete projects that ensure delivery of high-quality health outcomes for all. She earned her BS in Mathematics from Spelman College and MS in Biostatistics from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

Araba Assan is an early career public health professional who works at a non-profit public health organization evaluating programs related to tobacco control and prevention and asthma management. Araba has experience in mental health education and maternal child health research. However, she has always been passionate about public health, and has been a fierce advocate on issues related to health equity and racial justice. Araba chose public health as a career to help eliminate health disparities and inequities among vulnerable populations. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Araba and her public health career journey.

I've been fortunate to collaborate with the Tribal Epidemiology Centers to bring you special sponsored episodes, focused on the public health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. On this episode, I'd like to take some time to share a bit more about the organization, share several resources, including their response to COVID-19.

My guest on this episode is Dr. Matthew Fox, who is an epidemiologist and podcaster. Matthew Fox, DSc, MPH, is a Professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health at Boston University. He joins me to share his journey into public health, which I know you will enjoy.

On this episode you'll meet Christina Haswood and learn about her journey into public health, from her Navajo heritage and culture to her public health work in policy, research, and politics for the state of Kansas. Christina is a public health professional and a candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives in District 10. If elected, Christina would be just the third Native American in Kansas history to be a state legislature. I found out during the interview that Christina has been a long time listener of the podcast, and in fact, she listened to the podcast throughout her entire MPH program journey!

Derick Chia is a Public Health Epidemiologist for Ottawa County, Michigan where he facilitates the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data. Derick believes achieving health equity is heavily reliant on systematic data tracking and reporting to inform public health practice and policies. Over the years, Derick has acquired a diverse background in public health beginning from his hometown in Cameroon, where he worked as a data manager with the Cameroon HIV Free Project, to working with both governmental and non-profit organizations in the State of Michigan on efforts around health disparities, communicable diseases and harm reduction. Derick holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Earth sciences from the University of Buea, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) with emphasis in Epidemiology from Grand Valley State University. Derick is keen on continuously applying his expertise and diverse public health experience to close the disproportionate gaps in healthcare outcomes across disadvantaged communities. In his free time, Derick enjoys reading, playing/coaching sports, exploring the beauty of Pure Michigan, good coffee and good people.

On this episode you'll meet Shelby Graves and learn about her journey into public health, as well as the work that she currently does as a public health freelancer. Shelby is a Health Policy Analyst, who had earned a Bachelor of Science in Community and Public Health, as well as a Master of Public Health. Her previous work encompassed comprehensive sexual health education, HIV and mental health services, and global health consulting. She currently engages in community health assessment and planning, using a social justice lens in all aspects of her work.

On this episode, you'll meet Chris TallBear with the Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center, and hear about his amazing journey into public health. He is a talented storyteller and servant leader, providing value to his organization and community. You'll also learn about the Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center, which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

My guest on this episode is Corinna Kelley, who is a leader and advocate for advancing quality public health practices that address health inequalities and impact change in her local community. Corinna has over 14 years of knowledge and experience working in various Public Health specialties from Infection Control, Emergency Management, Food Safety & Defense, Entomology, Epidemiology, as well as Occupational and Community Health. Tune in to the full episode to hear about Corinna's public health career journey.

It is official! The Public Health Epidemiology Careers Podcast has released a new episode every single week since it started in August of 2017. This is an amazing milestone! As we celebrate on this episode, I thought it would be fun to have an "Ask Me Anything" episode to address some of your questions. In the process of preparing for this, we received a lot of questions, and narrowed them down to a manageable list that I could answer on one episode. To make it even more fun and interesting, I decided to bring on my team and answer your questions. Tune in to this very special episode, filled with questions, answers, laughs, reflection, and insights.

Exciting to be approaching the official 3 year anniversary of the podcast, coming up next week. On this episode, I'd like to share my top 5 lessons learned over the last 3 years of podcasting. There's been a ton, but I narrowed it down to my top 5 to share with you. Thank you all for being a part of this community! I appreciate each and every one of you, and I look forward to all of us continuing on the public health journey together.

On this episode, you'll meet Tommy Ghost Dog and Celena McCray and hear about their journeys into public health. You'll also learn about the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center, which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

Did you know we have a public health networking group for our community? In this episode, I will tell you all about it (including the backstory). We've got some exciting new activities coming up, which I will also share with you in this episode.

My guest on this episode is Dr. Keosha Bond, a behavioral scientist and sexual health educator from New York. She and I had such a great time during this interview. Before I started recording, we were chatting about a few different things just getting to know each other before the recording officially started. I often do this with guest and it helps builds rapport and eases their nerves a bit if they're feeling anxious about the interview. Dr. Bond and I quickly found out that we have several unique things in common both personally and professionally, and it was simply nice and refreshing to be able to visit with her for a little while.

In this episode, I'm going to share the details of a new eBook that my team and I put together, which is now available as a free gift to all new podcast subscribers. I'm going to tell you all about it and how you can get a copy of it for yourself.

On this episode, you'll meet Jonathan Davis and hear about his journey into public health. You'll also learn about the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Tribal Epidemiology Center, which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

I've noticed that many companies have been making public statements regarding systemic racism and bold promises of change. I've also noticed several public health organizations making similar statements, saying that racism is a public health crisis. This is the one that has captured my attention, and I'm going to explain why and then what I'd like to do about it.

Let's hit the pause button on everything going on around us for a few minutes and focus on ourselves. As a professional group, we are beyond stressed out and if we don't pause and take better care of ourselves, then we will not be able to advance our mission. In this episode, I'm transparent, vulnerable with you to demonstrate my point and hopefully help you in the process.

In this episode, I share several resources and tips to help you with your public health career development over the summer.

Nicole is a seasoned and respected public health professional who has strong relationships with community-based organizations, academia, and other stakeholders. During her 15 years with the local health department she has managed public health programs focused on workforce development, health equity, the social determinants of health, and the impacts of institutionalized racism and other forms of oppression on health outcomes. Her memoir "Pushing Through: Finding the Light in Every Lesson" will be released Summer 2020. In fact, by the time this episode is published, her book should be available as well. At the end of this episode, I will tell you where you can find the link to her new book.

My nephew, Jadon Williams explains injustice. Listen to this message, explained through a story written by this 15 year old young man. Warning: It is a very emotional bonus episode.

On this episode, you'll meet Antoinette Medina and hear about her journey into public health. You'll also learn about the California Tribal Epidemiology Center, which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

In this podcast episode, you will learn about our newest program, Get Experience in Public Health Using Online Tools and Technology. Most importantly, you'll hear about this program from those who enrolled early and worked through the program with me while it was in the final stages of development. My guests on this episode are Courtney Dillingham, Leanne Dumeny, and Danielle Shoemake.

This message is for current students, and graduates who need experience in public health. I am well aware that one of the biggest challenges many students and recent graduates face is lack of experience in public health, and I've created a great solution that addresses this old challenge in a new creative way. In this bonus episode, you'll learn all about it!

In a world of pandemics, epidemics and the unknown where communities experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their health to unravel. Quinyatta Mumford, MPH, CHES, founder of Mumford and Associates, LLC and the heart behind the Curvy Consciousness movement; accepts the call to be the change agent.

In this episode, you will meet Brittany Prince Evans, and learn about her journey into public health. She is the founder of WellStart Initiatives, which is dedicated to the development and implementation of strategies that will decrease health disparities. Tune in to hear details about Brittany's public health career journey, as well as career advice she shares for public health students and graduates.

On this episode, you'll meet Wyatt Pickner and Crisandra Wilkie and hear about their journeys into public health. You'll also learn about the Urban Indian Health Institute in Seattle WA, which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

Sandra Melstad of SLM Consulting, works to improve the health of rural and urban communities where people live, work, learn and play.

**At the time this episode is published, Sandra is just weeks away from officially being Dr. Sandra J Coker. The title and headings reflect the near future status.** Sandra Coker is an emergency medicine physician-in-training set to begin her career in the summer of 2020. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, one of the most diverse cities in the country, she found herself immersed in multicultural communities from an early age. This upbringing, partnered with her passion to serve the underserved, led her to pursue her dreams of becoming an emergency medicine physician with specific focus on diversity and inclusion and social medicine. Sandra is also the founder of Black Girl White Coat, a social media initiative dedicated to providing motivation, mentorship, scholarship, and representation for students traditionally underrepresented in the various fields of healthcare.

Dr. Tameka Ivory Walls, is a Mississippi native, currently residing in Greenwood, MS. She received her PhD in Public Health Epidemiology from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry and Master of Science in Environmental Science from Mississippi Valley State University. Dr. Walls has an impressive and extensive public health background. She has facilitated alliances and collaborations with churches, barbershops, healthcare systems, community based organizations, municipalities, policy makers, and community health workers. Her research experience includes cancer, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease risk prevention in high-risk populations. Dr. Walls is a results-driven and team-oriented professional who has worked in the Mississippi Delta training, directing, and leading diverse groups.

You are in for a treat! This episode is part of a special sponsored series of episodes. Each month, one of the Tribal Epidemiology Centers will be featured, here on the podcast. The purpose is to raise awareness throughout the public health community of the amazing and important public health work that is being done at each of the centers. On this episode, you'll learn about the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center (GPTEC), which is just one of 12 partner Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) funded by the Indian Health Service's Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention to assist in improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States.

In this episode, I share a few tips that will help public health students and professionals during these stressful times of the coronavirus pandemic. DrCHHuntley.com

Leonore Okwara is a public health program manager and consultant. She is specifically trained in managing community-based research programs within the nonprofit, academic, and government sectors. Join me on this podcast episode to learn about her public health career journey.

In this episode, I'm going to share with you 3 MAJOR takeaways from the Public Health Consulting & Entrepreneurship EXPO that will demonstrate why this is a great public health career resource. #publichealth

My guest in this POWERFUL episode is William Moore, who is a health educator for Ramsey County in Minnesota, and a certified perinatal educator. William is one of the first of two men in the history of the state of Minnesota to become a certified Doula and Lactation Educator. He has used his passion for this work to engage fathers in the community and make them a more integral part of the birth process, prenatal and postpartum. He has earned honors such as the 2019 Sons of Bransford Mentorship award and recognized as a 2019 De Beaumont Foundation 40 under 40 honoree. William believes all things, no matter how improbable, are made possible when you live by the idea of "doing all things with audacity and vision."

My guest on this episode is Dr. Echo Rivera of Creative Research Communications. I first met her through networking on social media and was instantly drawn to her work. It didn't take long for us to realize that we shared many common interests, such as business systems, work ethic, passion for our work. She has a delightful sense of humor and has become one of my favorite colleagues to catch up with and discuss business strategies.

In this episode, I'm going to be vulnerable and transparent about addressing racism on college campuses everywhere. Because we know that racism impacts health, this is a public health topic that I want to address with the public health community. My apologies for the strain in my voice, but this was one of the most difficult episodes for me to record. The topic is personal, sensitive, and important. It represents an issue that so many people deal with every day. Although I will discuss the problem, I will also share some resources that I believe are excellent options for addressing this problem right now. I'm asking for all of you to listen to this full episode. We need all hands on deck for this. At the very end, I have one big "ask" of you.

In this episode, I will address one of the most commonly asked and difficult to answer questions regarding public health consulting and entrepreneurship. How do I get started? Phrased any number of ways, people want to know how to get started and how to become a consultant. I'm going to answer a few questions that were submitted by members of my community, in response to one of my surveys. Afterwards, I will share some resources that you can follow up with.

The Public Health Consulting & Entrepreneurship EXPO is an online event where a select panel of public health consultants and entrepreneurs, who are passionate about the needs they address and the populations they serve, come together to share their businesses. I'm excited to announce that the EXPO, our most popular virtual event, is back and better than ever! In this episode, I will tell you all about the expo, when to join live, and how to join on demand. I will start by explaining what is different from last year, then I will provide a full overview of the expo so that we are all clear and on the same page. DrCHHuntley.com/expo

My guest on this episode is Okey Enyia. Okey works in the Division of Strategy, Policy, Planning, and Requirements at the Department of Health and Human Services. He is also Founder & CEO of Enyia Strategies, LLC, which is a health policy consulting firm.

Amy Frances Moore is a creative educator and statistician. Ms. Moore is the owner of Moore Statistics Consulting LLC, a for profit organization which helps doctoral students with the statistical requirements of their doctoral degree. Ms. Moore is also the owner of the Moore Statistics Consulting Foundation Incorporated, a non-profit organization for women doctoral students who cannot afford tutoring services.

Liz (Elizabeth Simpler) from the Working Mama Collective Public Health Consulting (WMC Public Health Consulting) is a public health professional that has worked for over 10 years with clients and populations to improve health, wellness, and create preventative health measures in fitness and nutrition services. She believes in today's day and age women shouldn't have to choose between career and children.

Giana Vasconcellos from the Working Mama Collective Public Health Consulting (WMC Public Health Consulting) joins us in this episode to share the challenges she faced as a new working mother, and the solutions that she came up with to address these issues. She also shares the consulting services that she has available for other working mothers needing help.

As we wrap up 2019 and prepare to move into the New Year, are you ready?

What does public health career success mean to you? This has come up quite often recently. So, let's take a moment to talk about what public health career success really means. Addressing this now will help you prepare to move forward and progress toward your career goals.

This episode is part three of a free coaching series that will help you prepare for public health career success. During this episode, I will share 5 important steps you should follow in your public health career planning. In case this is the first time you're tuning in, let me briefly recap what has been covered so far, before moving into discussion of the 5 steps.