Author Archives: Alex Whicker

Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Assistant

The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) is seeking a candidate for the position of Epidemiology Assistant in the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Section. This position will assist with requesting and organizing medical records with the Congenital Infections Registry and conducting interviews, performing data entry, and related tasks with the Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). This position is a part-time hourly position (15-25 hours/week) that may require early evening or weekend work on occasion. All work will be completed remotely until further notice. Work during business hours may resume in the office when GDPH staff are cleared to return to the office based on the progression of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Job Description:

1. Contacting birthing facilities to retrieve relevant medical records pursuant to notifiable disease surveillance;

2. Maintaining electronic organization of all relevant medical records;

3. Conduct telephone outreach and complete telephone interviews with women with a recent live birth sampled to participate in the Georgia PRAMS project.

4. Enter questionnaire data into a secure online database and perform other data management tasks as needed.

5. Ensure the quality of PRAMS data by following all data collection and entry protocols.

6. Assist in maintaining inventory and supplies for PRAMS.

7. Maintain security and confidentiality of PRAMS data.

8. Other office duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

College graduate and/or at least one year of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent communication skills, including at least 6 months of direct customer service.

Experience conducting telephone interviews or other work involving extensive telephone contact.

At least 6 months of data entry experience.

Demonstrated facility using spreadsheets, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.

Experience or interest in learning about public health surveillance and Maternal and Child Health.

To apply, please reach out to J. Michael Bryan at michael [dot] bryan [at] dph [dot] ga [dot] gov with a resume and cover letter.


Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Epidemiology Assistant

Category : Alumni

Job Description:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) 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 candidate for the position of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Epidemiology Assistant within the Division of Epidemiology. The Maternal Child Health Epidemiology Section (MCH EPI) of the GDPH is seeking an individual to assist with fulfilling the deliverables of a pilot NAS surveillance project based on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) NAS Standardized Case Definition (SCD). The Epidemiology Assistant’s duties will include obtaining medical records for mothers and infants with suspected exposure to relevant substances, adhering to the CSTE SCD for the selected jurisdiction in Georgia; tracking the status of each medical record request and assisting with data management; and linking toxicology results received via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) to the NAS reporting module. The Epidemiology Assistant will assist with ongoing communication efforts with facilities to inform existing reporters of changes to the NAS case definition and reporting module, as well as onboard non-reporting facilities to begin reporting NAS; participate in any phone and/or conference calls with CDC and CSTE; and collaborate extensively with existing DPH staff performing NAS surveillance.

MCH EPI houses several teams, including the Health Surveys Team (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and oral health surveillance), Perinatal Epidemiology Team (maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, preconceptual health), and the Newborn Surveillance Team, which is comprised of birth defects surveillance, surveillance of in utero exposures to specific diseases, and newborn screening. This opportunity is with the Newborn Surveillance Team in MCH EPI. The Newborn Surveillance Team is responsible for implementing, analyzing, and disseminating the results of relevant surveillance activities, including the ongoing NAS surveillance performed at GDPH. In this position, the Epidemiology Assistant will gain experience in managing data, requesting medical records to be abstracted in fulfillment of surveillance activities of a novel notifiable condition, and communicating with a diverse group of stakeholders. Such tasks are essential to daily functions, without which, surveillance would not be possible. This pilot project will inform the epidemiology of NAS and future iterations of the CSTE SCD. An ideal candidate must be a strong communicator, attentive to detail, and able to adapt to changing guidance.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

1. Obtain medical records for mothers and infants with suspected exposure to relevant substances, adhering to the CSTE Standard Case Definition for the selected jurisdiction in Georgia

2. Track the status of the records request progress for each individual identified for follow-up

3. Communicate CSTE SCD reporting requirements to current NAS reporters and non-reporting facilities, performing outreach to reporters via email, phone, webinars, and site visits, as necessary; onboard non-reporting facilities for reporting

4. Link toxicology results received via ELR to the NAS reporting module

5. Expand access to electronic health records (eHR) by contacting facilities and communicating surveillance needs

6. Assist with case review, data entry, and creation of communication materials

Minimum Qualifications:

· Experience performing surveillance activities, including the use of the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SendSS).

· Demonstrated experience meeting deliverables of awarded opportunities (grants, contracts, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to applicants who possess the following:

· Prior work performing similar surveillance activities

Contact Dr. J. Michael Bryan at  Michael [dot] Bryan [at] dph [dot] ga [dot] gov if interested.


Twin Memorials Project

Category : News/Events

Emory is committed to honoring and memorializing the untold experiences, stories, and contributions of enslaved individuals and their descendants who lived and worked on the university’s original campus in Oxford, Georgia. Emory’s Twin Memorials Working Group is creating a plan for twin memorials that articulates and interconnects the
shared histories of the Emory and Oxford campuses.

The first, and most important, step in this process is to hear from the community. In addition to Emory students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the university seeks input from descendants, neighbors, and local community members.

Emory has engaged the firm Baskervill to guide the community-engagement and design process. To learn more about the complex history of Emory’s founding and participate in conceptualizing a design for the memorials, please RSVP to the session below.

Through this work, and especially through your involvement, Emory begins the journey toward a more just and inclusive community.

Join us Friday, February 18, 2022
Emory Atlanta Campus Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional School Community
11:30am – 1:00pm
Candler School of Theology, Rita Anne Rollins Building,
Theology Room 360, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta

visit www.twinmemorials.com to learn more and RSVP
or share your thoughts at www.twinmemorials.com/share


Emerging Scholars Program, National African American Child and Family Research Center

A one-year-long research internship designed to increase knowledge and skills of students interested in community-based participatory research around economic/social mobility, early childhood education, childcare, fatherhood, or social determinants of health for African American children and families.

Scholars will recieve: 

  • Personalized cross-disciplinary training to strengthen their capacity to design and implement research that impacts African American children and families.
  • Personalized mentoring from experienced researchers who will create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for success.
  • Opportunity to contribute to the evidence-base through peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations.
  • $20,000 stipend and additional financial support for professional development and travel to present research findings

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program
  • Majoring in social work, public administration, public health, education, or related fields
  • Current junior, senior, or graduate student
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident currently residing in the U.S

*Black/African American males strongly encouraged to apply

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 4, 2022
Program Start Date: June 2022

For more information, please email aacfrc [at] msm [dot] edu

Scan QR code below to apply


Informational Interviews

Category : PROspective

By: Alex Whicker

While some of us started at Rollins with a clear idea of the exact field and job we want to work in, a lot of us came in with no clue what we want to do with our lives. One of the great things about being in graduate school, however, is having the opportunity to explore different career patch and learn about new fields. Whether this be through a REAL job, research experience, our APEs, or just conversations with faculty and professors there are endless opportunities to dip our feet into something new. One great way to learn about a career or field you may be interested in is through informational interviews.

Informational interviews are a great opportunity to ask someone what their job looks like and how they got there without as much pressure as a formal networking event or job interview. Most people are more than happy to attend an informational interview, if their schedule allows, so they can share about the field they’re passionate about and mentor people who are in positions they once were in. Beyond that, however, informational interviews are also a great way to network with people you might not normally interact with, potentially opening the door for opportunities down the line. If you don’t quite know where to start when it comes to informational interviews here are some quick tips:

  1. Identify the topic or job you’re interested in learning more about. Having a general idea of the field you want to know more about is best, so you don’t waste anyone’s time, including your own.
  2. Reach out to someone who works in the field you want to explore and ask if they’re willing to do an informational interview. This can be someone you already have a relationship with, like a professor or supervisor, or you can find someone through platforms like LinkedIn or Mentor Rollins to connect with people.
  3. Do your research. Before you meet with them, look up information on their company or job, if available, so you can make your questions more targeted and not waste time on information that can easily be find online.
  4. Come up with a list of questions. The person you’re interviewing has no idea what you want to know about their field. As the person initiating the meeting, you should be prepared to direct the conversation. More likely than not you’ll only have time for a handful of questions, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some backup questions handy if you happen to run through your main list too quickly. If you’re not sure what types of questions to ask, check out the Informational Interview Guide by Rollins Career Development.
  5. Take notes. Write down the name of the interviewee as well as the date you interview them and add any key information you might want to remember later.
  6. Follow up. Send a thank you note or email after the interview as a gesture of appreciation for them taking the time to meet with you. You can also send them updates on your academic/career progress to keep the door open for future contact with the person.

On top of being an excellent way to explore new topics, informational interviews can also be a good opportunity to practice your interpersonal skills to keep them sharp for networking and interviews. If you’re struggling to identify what type of field you’re interested in, or even if you have your eye on a job with no current openings, an informational interview can help you build connections with people and learn more about a career you might not have experience in. Just remember to always keep things polite and professional and go in with an open mind!

 

Featured Image by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash


Reading Groups and Author Visit: Véronique Tadjo

Category : News/Events

The Writers of Today Team is very pleased to confirm that Véronique Tadjo will do a talk in English on March 3rd at 4:15pm, followed by a Q&A in French on March 4th at 1pm.

Ther are also two related upcoming events organized by Writers of Today: we are holding two reading groups on Thursday, February 17th (in English) and Thursday, February 24th (in French) at 4:15 in Callaway Center at Emory, room 202. To attend these groups on zoom email tmessen [at] emory [dot] edu. Among other themes, we wish to delve into crucial questions of our contemporary world, such as epidemics and disease, post-genocidal memory, and human-nonhuman relationships. We have also asked members of the Emory community to provide 5-minute presentations on Véronique Tadjo’s works to introduce students and faculty to her wonderful multi-faceted work.

See the reading materials in English and French below.

Tadjo – Reine Pokou Laterite

Tadjo – En compagnie des hommes + L’ombre d’Imana

Tadjo – The Shadow of Imana + In the Company of Men


Epidemiologist Positions, Louisiana Office of Public Health

Category : Alumni

The Louisiana Office of Public Health – Bureau of Family Health is seeking qualified and energetic epidemiologists to join our maternal and child health and injury and violence surveillance and prevention programs. These three positions are hired through the Louisiana Public Health Institute, but are embedded within the Bureau of Family Health. If interested, more information on the qualifications, responsibilities and how to apply can be found at the links below.

Morbidity and Mortality Epidemiology Manager, Office of Public Health – New Orleans – LPHI

MCH Data Systems Epidemiology Program Manager – Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health – LPHI

Senior Epidemiologist, Office of Public Health – LPHI

If you want to help us protect and promote the health of Louisianans and are looking for some interesting opportunities and experience, we look forward to hearing from you! Not to mention…the people, culture, food, and music are all just “lagniappe” as we say in Louisiana.

Interested individuals must apply through careers [at] lphi [dot] org, but questions can be directed to:

Jane Herwehe (jane [dot] herwehe [at] la [dot] gov, the hiring manager at the Bureau of Family Health for these positions).


Pre- and Post-Doc Positions, Population Neuroscience of Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-related Dementia (PNA) T32 Training Grant

Category : Alumni

Now accepting applications for the Population Neuroscience of Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-related Dementia (PNA) T32 Training Grant

Now accepting applications for pre-and post-doctoral positions

Scholars are eligible to receive:

  • Salary & Travel Stipends
  • Tuition Allowance • Customized Mentoring Plans
  • State-of-the-art Neuroepidemiological Study Cohorts
  • Cutting-edge Neuroimaging Resources
  • Team Science & Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research

Click here to learn more and apply!


TA Opportunity for GH students

GH 510: EPI METHODS IN COMPLEX HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCIES

QUALIFICATIONS: Previously passed GH 510 OR 2+ years of relevant field experience
DUTIES: Support updating Canvas, grading quizzes and exams, coordinating breakout groups and demonstrations, and other support as needed
TIME COMMITMENT: Course is one week long during spring break. Work is full time during the week of the course 2-4 hours per week during the 2 weeks before and after the course

To apply, email Eva Leidman at eleidman [at] cdc [dot] gov and Oleg Bilukha at obb0 [at] cdc [dot] gov to set up an interview!


Part-time Epidemiologist, Amgen Pharmaceuticals

Category : Alumni

Amgen Pharmaceuticals, is in need of a part-time Epidemiologist (20 hours/week) for an on-going, remote position.

Position description:

Qualifications:Masters degree in Epidemiology or other subject with high epidemiologic contentExperience in epidemiologic researchGeneral project planning and management experiencePrior experience using large claims-based and/or EMR databasesPreferred Qualifications:Doctorate in Epidemiology or other subject with high epidemiologic content3 years experience with masters degreeExperience in the design, execution, and analysis of epidemiology studies within Pharmaceutical or Public Health settingExperience in research to support drug developmentExperience in epidemiological project planning and managementExperience communicating epidemiological information (written and oral)Experience working in multi-disciplinary teamsPrior experience using SEER or other disease registries.Key Responsibilities:Responsible for conducting high-quality epidemiologic research to support product strategy with a variety of therapeutic areasSupports relationships with key leaders in epidemiologyProvides input into epidemiology product specific and other cross-functional team meetingsStays abreast of the latest developments in the field of epidemiology and drug development and contributes to the fieldPromotes understanding and use of state of the art epidemiologic methods

If interested please contact the recruiter, Ellen Curnin, at ecurnin [at] simulstat [dot] com or  858-869-1379.


Upcoming Events

  • EGDRC Seminar: Lynn Aboue-Jaoudé January 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series; tinyurl.com… Online Location: https://tinyurl.com/Lynn-Abou-JaoudeEvent Type: Seminar SeriesSeries: Health System Users in Vulnerable Situations: Normative Experiences and “New Ways of Life”Speaker: Lynn Abou-JaoudéContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduLink: https://tinyurl.com/Lynn-Abou-JaoudeDr. Lynn Abou-Jaoudé studies sociocultural challenges in healthcare experiences, focusing on qualitative research and diabetes prevention at the University of Lille’s LUMEN lab.
  • GCDTR Seminar: Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RN January 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminar Series; tinyurl.com… Online Location: https://tinyurl.com/ErinFerrantiEvent Type: Seminar SeriesSeries: Cardiometabolic Risk and Resource Connection in Maternal HealthSpeaker: Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RNContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://tinyurl.com/ErinFerrantiDr. Erin Ferranti, Emory Assistant Professor, researches women’s cardiometabolic disease prevention, health inequities, maternal morbidity, farmworker health, diabetes, and hypertension using biomarkers for early risk identification.

Follow Us on Social Media: