Month: December 2019

Compassion & Community

Category : PROspective

This week has been tough for the Department of Epidemiology. We are mourning the loss of a student and friend of ours. Some knew he was sick and some did not; all of us are shocked and saddened by his passing.

I have seen faculty, staff, and student colleagues struggling to understand, wondering how best to remember him. I have seen loss and sorrow and hurt. And I have also seen compassion and grace.

This week I have witnessed some beautiful moments in between tears and questions. I have listened to a faculty member care for a student who was particularly close with the one we lost. This conversation was filled with moments allowing for grief and offerings of comfort.

I have seen the leaders of our department quickly provide space and support for our students to process and grieve together. They have publicly shared their emotions allowing others to feel safe to share theirs. I watched our Dean hug a student overcome with emotion and was deeply touched when a former faculty advisor spoke of rereading a letter of recommendation written for the student we have lost.

The loss of a young and talented person is hard to process. And while there is nothing about this loss that feels right, these moments have been another reminder for me that I am surrounded by really good people. I believe people are drawn to public health because they are deeply compassionate and have a desire to make the lives and experiences of everyone better. We have bold visions of a world filled with justice, equality, and health. Ambition is a core value of our department—we are used to thinking big. This week, the Epidemiology Department has paused to remember and to band together while we take extra moments to care for our own.

Instead of offering my PROspective on some aspect of your future career, I offer a hope instead. I hope that in the places you will work, you will find this level of commitment to both the big challenges in our world and the connection to those who travel our days with us. It is a special combination indeed.

 

 

Rollins Professor: Allison Chamberlain

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI

For this week’s #IamEmoryEPI, we caught up with Dr. Allison Chamberlain!

Tell us where you went to school:

I am a proud Virginia Wahoo (GO HOOS!). After my time in Charlottesville, I got a Masters of Science degree from Georgetown University and my PhD in Epi from RSPH.

What are your primary research interests?

I am interested in infectious disease epidemiology, public health practice, and vaccine promotion. I do a lot of work with clinicians interested in improving their promotion of preventive health interventions (e.g. vaccines, PrEP for HIV) to their patients. Right now, I am working to characterize PrEP (for HIV) promotion practices among primary care providers in Atlanta. I want to explore whether a particular model from vaccine promotion can be tweaked for and applied to PrEP promotion.

What did you do this past summer?

This past summer, I worked with two recent Emory Epi PhD grads on data analysis for a PBS Frontline documentary exploring the breadth and impact of the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that occurred around the time of the Flint water crisis. It was an interesting opportunity to put our Epi skills and knowledge towards a lay media production. The documentary aired on September 10 and can be found here:

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/flints-deadly-water/

How did you find the research that you are currently conducting?

Much of my current research is done in collaboration with the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) in downtown Atlanta. I work as a consultant to FCBOH two days per week. More on that can be found here:

https://jphmpdirect.com/2019/01/29/my-life-as-a-pracademic/

Are there any exciting manuscripts or projects that you are currently working on?

Yep! Having just finished FCBOH’s second sexual health & PrEP-focused survey at the 2019 Atlanta Pride festivals, I am drafting up descriptions of my analysis needs…will be looking for some more student help soon!

What is your favorite part about being at Emory?

The ambition of the students. It’s infectious and energizing.

Do you have any advice for MPH students?

While you’re at Rollins, accept any opportunities you can that involve either primary data collection or survey design & implementation. Those skills will serve you enormously in the working world!

What current books are you reading and/or podcasts that you are currently listening to?

Pivot by Jenny Blake is my absolute favorite Podcast. Her book (also called Pivot) is so great for anyone trying to figure out their next career move. The book Range by David Epstein is also a great read – particularly for those of us (ahem, me) looking to justify having interests in a lot of topics!

What are three fun facts about yourself?

  1. I love working in between academia and local public health practice. I want more students and faculty to work at this intersection.
  2. I am looking forward to leading EPI 535: Designing and Implementing Epi Studies for the first time this Spring!
  3. I never order anything but plain chocolate ice cream when I go get ice cream. Drives my topping-loving kids insane.

Add your voice to pediatric and perinatal research!

Category : Student Opportunities

The Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) is accepting abstracts for our annual meeting June 15-16, 2020 in Boston, MA.

Diversity and Inclusion matters to SPER, we particularly welcome:

– Abstracts on health equity
– Abstracts on reproductive health, including sexual and gender minority health research
– Research from scholars from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in science and epidemiology
– Presenters who have never attended the SPER Annual Meeting
– Students, postdocs and early career investigators

SPER abstracts for oral and poster presentations should relate to pediatric or perinatal health (including reproductive health).

Click here to view submission instructions and abstract categories, or to submit an abstract. You will receive a confirmation email once your abstract has been submitted.
Abstract submissions are due by January 31, 2020, 1PM EST.
See you at the SPER 2020 Annual Meeting in Boston!

Chief Epidemiologist

Category : Alumni

Description
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of the state of Georgia with the ultimate responsibility for the health of communities and the entire population.

The agency is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Chief Epidemiologist within the Fulton County District.

Job Responsibilities
Desired Knowledge and Experience

At least 5 years of experience as a manager in public health practice at a state or county health department with an emphasis on applied epidemiology and infection control
Ability to oversee, manage, and supervise the work of epidemiologists conducting health and epidemiologic surveillance.
Knowledge of research methods, procedures, and techniques used in identifying and evaluating disease characteristics
Substantial knowledge of infectious and/or chronic disease processes and practices used in the control of these diseases
Experience in the investigation and response to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies
Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures and knowledge of state and Federal laws, statues, and regulations.
Experience in data management including: (1) experience analyzing large syndromic surveillance or other healthcare datasets using SAS or other similar software packages, and (2) presenting these analyses orally and in writing.
Experience with grant writing and other funding proposals

Organizational Management
Attract, develop, coach, and retain high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers and clients in a global and matrixed environment.
Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles
Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects.
Ensure effective collaborative partnerships among the data team members and with key stakeholders.
Ability to participate in after-hour activities including partner meetings, investigations, outbreaks and emergency responses as needed.

Communication
Effective verbal and written communication, such as oral presentations, written reports, articles, and/or abstracts
Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders including federal, regional, state, and local stakeholders in partnerships, coalitions, councils, and/or associations, healthcare providers, elected officials.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics or a closely related field AND Two years of experience supervising/leading epidemiologic programs
OR
Master’s degree in Public Health or a closely related field AND Three years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field in a supervisory or team lead role
OR
Two years at the lower level or position equivalent with management/supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred qualifications include:

Prior experience working in a state or local public health department, ideally as an epidemiologist
Appreciation for public health research and its role for informing programmatic priorities of local health departments
Enthusiasm for learning from epidemiologic data and using that data to inform public health practice
Experience and/or interest in Public Health Department Accreditation

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

 

2020 Global Field Opportunity/Summer Practicum/APE Position with the Emory TB-HIV Research Group

Category : Student Opportunities

Project Focus:
Infectious diseases: Drug resistant tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS; latent tuberculosis

Emory TB-HIV Group Profile:
The Emory TB-HIV research group led by Dr. Neel Gandhi at the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University has a top notch TB/HIV academic research and training program recognized both nationally and internationally. Our research projects are in close collaboration with leading stakeholders including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Atlanta, Albert Einstein College of Medicine – New York, Public Health Research Institute (PHRI) – New Jersey, Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Columbia University – New York, University of KwaZuluNatal (UKZN) – South Africa, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) – South Africa, Amauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) – Ethiopia, and DeKalb County Board of Health – Atlanta. The group is actively involved in innovative research and training activities for over two decades with expertise and focus in drug-resistant tuberculosis. We have multiple ongoing research projects in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa where the group’s activities have had a significant impact on identification, diagnosis and treatment of MDR/XDR TB cases. In addition we have ongoing research projects at study sites in India, Ethiopia, and Brazil.

Position Profile:
The Emory TB-HIV research group is seeking 2 to 3 graduate level students for summer practicum/APE projects. Each student will assist in research study project management, development of primary analytic methods for
epidemiological protocols and will participate in data collection, data transcription onto CRFs, data entry in REDCap, quality control, data cleaning activities and analyses as needed. The student will work with external collaborators in South Africa, Ethiopia, India, Brazil and with internal Emory based project faculty and staff to coordinate project related activities. The student must be a team player who is enthusiastic, meticulous, well organized and has excellent interpersonal skills. Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Epidemiology, Global Epidemiology (GLEPI) and/or Global Health MPH program.


Position timelines:
May 2020 to August 2020. The student will be required to spend 8-10 weeks either in South Africa, Ethiopia, Brazil or India. In order to prepare for the project, the student will be required to attend trainings and work with U.S.
based staff in May 2020.

Location of project:
South Africa / India / Brazil / India.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and updated resume to Dr. Salim Allana, Director Research
Program (Email: salim [dot] allana [at] emory [dot] edu) no later than December 30, 2019. This position is also posted on the
Emory ROL/Handshake website (posting ID #3316926).

The 2019 Kathleen R. Miner Scholarship for Public Health Excellence

Category : Student Opportunities

The Dr. Kathleen R. Miner Scholarship for Public Health Excellence was established in honor of Dr. Kathy Miner, Associate Dean of Applied Public Health, and her many contributions to Rollins and to public health education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to RSPH students who share Kathy Miner’s passion for public health education and health promotion. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated experience in community engagement and a commitment to social justice. The ideal scholar will possess the energy, creativity, and perseverance necessary to effect positive change throughout their public health career.

Click HERE to apply.

2019 Adopt-a-Scholar Application

Category : Alumni

The Adopt-a-Scholar program provides financial assistance to outstanding RSPH students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, community service involvement, academic success, and commitment to a career in public health.

Eligible students include current MPH/MSPH students in good standing. Selected students will receive a scholarship to be applied towards tuition.
 
To apply click HERE.

ORISE Opportunity

Category : Alumni

The ORISE Research Participation Program at CDC is a training and succession planning mechanism designed to provide opportunities to students, postgraduates, and university faculty to participate in project-specific CDC research, current public health research, and developmental activities. It is an educational and developmental program formed in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) through an Interagency Agreement.

Criteria:

The ORISE fellow must be enrolled in an accredited college or university working toward a degree in a STEM or Public Health field; or have received a college degree within 5 years prior to the initial ORISE appointment date; or serve as a full time faculty member at an accredited college or university within the United States.
The fellow may be a non-US citizen, but must comply with all applicable immigration laws and requirements authorizing employment within the United States.
The initial ORISE appointment is approved for one year, with subsequent extensions in one year intervals which is limited to a total of up to five years from the initial start date.
The CDC mentor is responsible for the daily guidance or leadership of the participants, including performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, and establishing schedules (days and hours).
The ORISE participant must be located in a CDC facility (i.e., Atlanta, GA) with the assigned mentor.

Specific requirements for candidates for CDC OSH Surveillance team:

In general, the ORISE fellow searches, synthesizes and interprets information relevant to advance tobacco prevention and control efforts. Reviews and analyzes studies and projects assessing public health issues related to tobacco prevention and control in order to make recommendations or processes, procedures and/or policies related to public health programs, practices and research. Communicates information to various audiences. Prepares scientific and other articles and technical reports for publication.

More specifically, the fellow will be trained in surveillance and evaluation, and provide analytic support related to critical priorities of the Office; the fellow will serve a key role in: conducting surveillance, analysis, and research; assist in developing data summaries/briefing documents, authoring (co-authoring) papers and other materials, and supporting activities with internal and external audiences to advance tobacco prevention and control efforts. The fellow will also support the three cycles of National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) – i.e., work on publications based on collected data from past year; day to day survey support for administration of current year’s data; help prepare the data collection of future years.

Desired skills:

Strong data analysis skills
Experience with following statistical tools: SAS and SAS-callable SUDAAN
Good writing skills

Stipend:

The initial stipend is determined primarily in consideration of the educational level obtained.
Master’s degree = equivalent to GS-9 step 1
MD/PhD/equivalent = equivalent to GS-11 step 1

MD/PhD equivalent with at least two years of related post graduate work will have a stipend equivalent to GS-12 step 1. Additional steps at this degree level may be added for related post graduate work experience up to a maximum of the equivalent of GS-12 step 4. Specifically, MD/PhD equivalent with at least three years of related post graduate work will have a stipend equivalent to GS-12 step 2, at least four years GS-12 step 3, and at least five years GS-12 step 4.

*Initial stipend will be based on the GS-pay table in place on the appointment start date*

How to apply:

Send CV to jze1 [at] cdc [dot] gov with subject line: “ORISE fellow candidate”
Go to: https://www.zintellect.com/, and register

Professional Organizations

Category : PROspective

I have attended almost every annual meeting of the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) each June since 1998. The meeting begins with pre-conference workshops, and the agenda from there includes two and a half days of plenary sessions, symposia, and poster sessions.

In 1998, I hardly knew anyone and spent the meeting in awe of the speakers whose papers and textbooks I had been reading. I mostly sat alone, and did not have much to do outside of the scheduled meeting hours. By attending every year, and making an effort to participate, SER eventually became my professional home. Now when I attend, I return home happy and exhausted – seemingly every minute filled with meeting content, coffees, lunches, and late night drinks. I have worked at four academic institutions; SER has been one constant throughout. The meeting provides an opportunity to keep up on new methods and research findings, and to catch up with friends and colleagues, many of whom I would otherwise never see.

I have worked at four academic institutions; SER has been one constant throughout.

Joining a professional society offers opportunities for continuing education, networking, and professional development. There are many societies for epidemiologists to choose from. I always attend SER because I like the size and length of the meeting—about 1,200 attendees over only a few days. I also like the focus on just epidemiology, on methods, and on all epidemiologic topic areas. There are smaller generalist meetings—such as the meeting hosted by the American College of Epidemiology (ACE), larger meetings—such as the meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA), and more applied meetings—such as the meeting of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

I always attend SER because I like the size and length of the meeting—about 1,200 attendees over only a few days.

There are also meetings focused on topic areas: cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, environmental epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and so on. Some are held at international destinations and others are always domestic. Most meetings are held at about the same calendar time each year, and have standard annual due dates for abstract submissions.

Membership in a society and participation in its annual meeting is an investment that pays long-term dividends. Like most investments, the returns are evident only over the long run and accrue only with regular contributions. An important consideration is what the society offers beyond its meeting: journal subscriptions or discounts on publication fees are typical, and many societies also offer access to professional and continuing education resources at their website.

Membership in a society and participation in its annual meeting is an investment that pays long-term dividends.

In today’s connected world, it is easy to undervalue the benefit of membership in a professional organization and attendance at its annual meeting. No social media interaction will ever match the exchange of smiles and handshakes between RSPH classmates who only see each other once a year. It’s worth it.

 

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  • Humphrey Fellows Noontime Seminar Series April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking and Guest Lecture and Meeting and Special Event and Student Event; zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/95325531576Event Type: Networking,Guest Lecture,Meeting,Special Event,Student EventSeries: Noontime SeminarSpeaker: Various Speakers - see details by dateContact Name: Kris ValerianoContact Email: kvaleri@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://sph.emory.edu/departments/gh/fellows/humphrey-fellows/index.htmlFellows will present on a topic pertaining to their home country, culture and/or their work in public health.Deb Mcfarland Room, 8th floor RRR.3.28: Abeselom Gutta, MD &Yeshoda Aryal, MPH4.11: Ola Ziara,…
  • Tips from the Other Side of the Peer-Review Process to Help Get Your Scientific Manuscript Published April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Guest Lecture Event Type: Guest LectureSeries: Center for Faculty Development and ExcellenceSpeaker: Bruce G. Weniger, Adj Assoc Prof, RSPHContact Name: Carol ColaninnoContact Email: ccolani@emory.eduLink: https://forms.gle/uhaExcRPKar39LuC7Examples good and bad, templates, andanecdotes from journal-editor experience tolimit the burden and skepticism of busyreviewers who use conscious criteria andsubjective, often unconscious intuition to judgepublication worthiness using only yourmanuscript and revision cover…
  • 2024 Charles C. Shepard Award Symposium May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/96537866614The Charles C. Shepard Award is given to thegraduating masters student who is deemed bythe faculty to have prepared the most scholarlyresearch paper. Please join us to recognize andcelebrate this year’s finalists who will present aposter of their work.
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Epidemiology Department Rollins School of Public Health