I am currently an MPH student in the global health concentration at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Prior to starting my MPH program, I was already looking forward to my practicum with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You might be wondering how I knew that I would land a practicum with the CDC, and all I have to say is that there is power in the TONGUE! As a young girl, I was always inspired by my aunt who worked for the CDC and the World Health Organization. She was driven, and strong-willed, and you could tell the passion she had for public health. I envisioned myself working for the CDC someday working to resolve health inequities and improving the quality of life for future generations globally. This was a defining moment in my life that influenced my career choice.
As I said earlier, the power of the tongue granted me the opportunity to complete my practicum this summer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I will be working closely with members of the epidemiology team and collaborators for the Communities Organized for the Prevention of Arboviruses (COPA) project. COPA is a prospective community cohort coincidence study that was launched in Ponce, Puerto Rico in early 2018 to measure the impact of novel vector control interventions on reducing infections with dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses. Additionally, the CDC Dengue Branch coordinates national dengue surveillance and works with domestic and global dengue outbreak responses.
What I hope to gain out of my practicum experience is to sharpen my research skills acquired during my first year of MPH coursework. Not only will this skill allow me to effectively conduct a literature review, but I am also learning about a new topic area with which I was previously unfamiliar. Continuously, I hope to also broaden my data analysis and manuscript drafting skills taught to me during the first year of my MPH program to conduct a data analysis plan and identify factors associated with dengue vaccine intention and hesitancy from a community-based cohort study. I am certain that my graduate-level knowledge has successfully prepared me enough to achieve these goals. It is very exciting to be able to finally apply my competencies in real life.
Furthermore, I am excited to be in Puerto Rico. Last June, I traveled here to celebrate my birthday. The short time I spent here left a lasting impact and I couldn’t turn away from an opportunity of this magnitude. And as a global health professional, it was essential for me to establish myself in the global health field. Dreams do come true!!
Until next time,
-Sarah