Category Archives: PROspective

Career Fair 101: How to Prepare, Show Up Strong, and Make It Count

Category : PROspective

Career fairs can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling classes, research, and everything else. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring options, these tips can help you walk in confident and walk out with real connections.

  1. Do a Little Homework (You Don’t Need to Cram): Before the fair, scan the list of attending organizations and flag a handful you’re genuinely interested in. Take 10–15 minutes to look at their mission, recent projects, or job postings—especially roles related to epidemiology, data analysis, program evaluation, or applied research. You don’t need to know everything; you just want enough context to ask thoughtful questions and avoid “So… what do you do?” moments.
  2. Prep a Flexible Elevator Pitch: You don’t need a memorized script, but it helps to have a short introduction ready. This should include who you are (program, year), what you’re interested in (skills, populations, topic areas), and what you’re hoping to learn or find. Think of it as a starting point, not a performance. Natural beats perfect every time.
  3. Dress the Part—Comfortably: Aim for professional or business-casual attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable standing and walking. Career fairs are not the time to break in new shoes. When in doubt, slightly more polished is better than too casual.
  4. Bring the Basics (and Then Some): At minimum, have copies of your résumé, a notebook or notes app for quick reminders, and s folder or bag to keep materials organized. If you have business cards or a QR code linking to your LinkedIn or portfolio, great—but not required.
  5. Ask Questions That Actually Help You: Career fairs are as much about information-gathering as they are about networking. Good questions might include: What skills or experiences are most valuable for early-career epidemiologists in your organization? What does a typical career path look like for someone starting in this role?How do students or recent grads usually get their foot in the door?
  6. Take Notes While Convos are Fresh: After each conversation, jot down a quick note: who you spoke with, what you discussed, and anything that stood out. This will be invaluable later—especially if you plan to follow up or apply for a position.
  7. Follow Up (Yes, it Matters): If you had a meaningful conversation, send a brief follow-up email or LinkedIn message within a few days. Thank them for their time, reference something specific you discussed, and—if appropriate—ask about next steps or opportunities to stay in touch. Short, sincere, and professional is the goal.
  8. Redefine Success: Not every career fair leads directly to a job or internship—and that’s okay. Success might look like learning about a career path you hadn’t considered, practicing how you talk about your interests and skills, or making one or two solid connections for the future All of that counts.

Career fairs are a skill, not a test—you get better every time you go. Show up curious, be yourself, and remember that everyone on the other side of the table started somewhere too.

 
 

8 Books Every Epidemiologist Should Read

Category : PROspective

As we make our way into a new year, you may be looking for something new to do to de-stress. Luckily, a former Rollins student curated the perfect list of must-read books for every epidemiologist, which you can find here. This collection offers a diverse array of titles that seamlessly blend knowledge and storytelling. Get ready to expand your intellectual horizons with our recommended reads! 


Last Valentine’s day my friends and I arranged a book exchange party similar to your typical white elephant Christmas game. I was expecting (okay, hoping) to have a plethora of fantasy, romance, or mystery novels to choose from, but was surprised when the overwhelming majority of books were nonfiction. Leave it to public health students to turn a romantic holiday into an educational opportunity. Reading the synopses off the back covers of these books, however, made me realize that there were plenty of intriguing stories from the world of public health to choose from, and my education on many of these topics was severely lacking. This led me to investigate epidemiology-related book options besides the requisite The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

I’ll be honest, I rarely do the readings for any of my classes. While I’ve been known to spend an embarrassing amount of time in the YA section of bookstores, I don’t often buy our course textbooks. If you’re like me and prefer a book with a plot than an educational motive, then maybe one of these books will be a good entrance into the world of educational readings. Here’s a list of 8 books to start with as an epidemiologist:

  1. Spillover by David Quammen- If you’re interested in infectious or zoonotic diseases this is the book for you. The book’s author, David Quammen, investigates the causes and impact of spillover, the phenomenon in which a new pathogen is passed to humans from wildlife. He tracks the origins of diseases like ebola or avian flu while following scientists around the globe through remote jungle and high security labs.
  2. The Ghost Map by Steven Berlin Johnson- Read about the father of field epidemiology, John Snow, in this work which tells the story of the 1854 Broad Street cholera outbreak. If you want to learn more about the most intense cholera outbreak in Victorian London and understand the role community played in the evolution of epidemiology, pick up a copy of this book asap.
  3. The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS by Elizabeth Pisani- If you’re looking for a witty take on a serious topic, read this. Pisani details her life as an AIDS epidemiologist and her plight for funding of HIV prevention programs among the most vulnerable communities.
  4. Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington- This book explores the dark history of the exploitation of black Americans by medical physicians and researchers. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of America’s racial health disparities and medical mistrust, Washington tells the stories of black Americans from the era of slavery to the present day in her book, calling out the injustices of America’s medical establishment.
  5. House on Fire by Joseph Finder- If you’re still looking for a fiction novel then this thriller/crime mystery book may satisfy you. This story follows protagonist Nick Heller after he discovers his old friend has died of an opioid overdose. As he works to uncover a pharmaceutical company’s dark secrets in his attempt to hold someone accountable for his friend’s death, he becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy than he’s bargained for.
  6. Inside the Outbreaks by Mark Pendergast- For future Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) hopefuls this book is a great read. Readers will be taken through the history of the EIS and follow EIS officers around the world in their efforts to eliminate lethal threats to public health, from smallpox to gun violence.
  7. Beating Back the Devil by Maryn Mckenna- Another book following the drama of life in the EIS, this book examines the complexities of a different officer’s work in every chapter. Following the first class of officers to enter the EIS after September 11, Mckenna also details the experience of considering bioterrorism for the first time.
  8. The Next Pandemic by Ali S. Khan- In a chillingly accurate prediction of the current pandemic, this book is a lesson on how to keep ourselves safe from inevitable future pandemics as it narrates disasters like anthrax and Ebola and the ways they may have been prevented. Dr. Khan gives us insight into the human mistakes which led to these emergencies in his firsthand account of life as public health first responder.

Hopefully one of these books piques your interest, and gives you something a little more relaxing to do this winter break than working on your thesis or scouring 12Twenty for jobs and APE opportunities. If finals has you down, what better way to find motivation for next semester than a set of books reminding you why you’re needed in epidemiology?

Featured Image by Ergita Sela on Unsplash

This post was originally published on December 12, 2021 by Alex Whicker. 

 

Making the Most of Your APE

Category : PROspective

Many students are likely just starting to dig into their APEs, but starting a new position can oftentimes feel confusing and directionless at first. If you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be doing at all times, rest assured you’re not alone. While 200 hours can feel like a relatively short amount of time to figure everything out in time to actually accomplish something substantial, there’s so much more to get out of this experience besides your deliverables. Here are a few tips to make the most of your APE!

  1. Get to know your colleagues. Whether it be fellow students, your PI, or staff at the organization you’re working at, these could be your future bosses and coworkers. Take some time to introduce yourself to everyone you might be working with. Regardless of if you work for this organization long term, the better your colleagues get to know you the more likely they may be to write you a letter of recommendation or pass along your resume to their peers.
  2. Keep busy. Its easy to enjoy the slow pace that may come at the beginning of a job or between projects, but you don’t want to be caught off guard when your supervisor asks what you’ve been doing recently. If you have nothing to work on, make sure your boss knows it. You can also try reaching out to your colleagues and asking if they need help on any projects they may be working on. If you still find yourself with nothing to do, use that time to teach yourself something new, like new SAS code, or read up on the field you’re working in. Showing this kind of initiative is sure to benefit you in the long run!
  3. Reflect on your experience. Chances are you pick up some new skills to add on your resume during your APE. Taking the time to think about what you’ve learned, maybe by listing out your skills or journaling about your daily activities, will help you in the future when you need to articulate what you did in a cover letter or are asked to explain in a job interview. Keeping notes like these throughout your APE experience can be helpful as well in order to keep track of what you’ve accomplished and what you still need to work on.

Whether you’re almost finished with your APE already or are still looking for your practicum experience these tips are useful to keep in mind. Your APE is a great way to dip your toes into what your future job as an epidemiologist could look like. Love it or hate, you’re learning something that you didn’t know before.

Featured Image by Saulo Mohana on Unsplash

This post was originally published in June 2022.

How to Get the Most Out of a Public Health Conference

Category : PROspective

Many of us are continually looking for opportunities to sharpen our skills and expand our impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term consultancy, pursuing specialized training, or engaging in fieldwork, there are countless ways to strengthen your professional portfolio. You may also be considering attending a public health conference or presenting your work at a poster session—both excellent avenues for continued growth and connection in the field. Here are 7 ways that you can make the most of any conference:

  1. Plan Your Schedule in Advance – Conferences can be overwhelming with multiple sessions happening at once. Before the event, review the agenda, identify key sessions, and prioritize speakers or topics that align with your research interests and career goals. If possible, download the conference app or create a personalized itinerary to stay organized.
  2. Network with Purpose – Conferences are prime opportunities to connect with professionals, researchers, and potential mentors. Instead of just collecting business cards, engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions about others’ work. Prepare a short introduction about yourself and your interests, and don’t hesitate to follow up with an email or LinkedIn request to keep the connection alive.
  3. Engage in Discussions – Active participation can make a lasting impression and deepen your learning experience. Ask questions during Q&A sessions, contribute to discussions, and share insights during roundtable talks. Engaging with presenters and attendees in a thoughtful way can help you gain new perspectives and make valuable connections.
  4. Visit Poster Sessions – Poster sessions are great opportunities to learn about emerging research in a more informal setting. Take the time to read abstracts in advance, identify posters relevant to your field, and engage with presenters by asking about their methodologies, findings, and potential implications for public health practice. This can also be a chance to discuss your own research interests and explore collaboration opportunities.
  5. Leverage Social Media – Many conferences have official hashtags and active discussions on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Engaging with posts, sharing key takeaways, and connecting with other attendees online can expand your professional presence. You can also follow up with speakers or researchers by commenting on their posts or sharing their insights.
  6. Take Notes and Reflect – With so much information being presented, it’s easy to forget important details. Keep a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key takeaways, speaker insights, and any new ideas that resonate with you. At the end of each day, reflect on what you’ve learned and consider how you can apply it to your studies or future career.
  7. Follow Up and Apply What You Learn – A conference is just the beginning. After the event, reach out to new connections with a personalized message, referencing your conversation to reinforce the relationship. If a session or presentation sparked an idea, explore how you can incorporate it into your research or practice. Staying engaged beyond the conference will help maximize its long-term impact on your professional growth.

Tips for Crushing Finals Week

Category : PROspective

As we wrap up the semester’s classes and dive into finals week, it can feel like pushing through the final stretch of a marathon. We have already put in countless hours on homework, projects, and note taking, and now it is time to put our newfound skills to the test. Here are a few tips to manage stress levels and make the most of your study sessions this finals week:

  1. Practice healthy habits: although it is tempting to put your healthy habits on the back burner in favor of some extra study minutes during finals week, holding on to them can actually improve academic performance. Be sure to eat nutritious foods, exercise, and get enough sleep at night. I really enjoy breaking up my study time with short walks to get exercise without throwing my schedule off.
  2. Try out different study methods: consider mixing up the method that you use to study. Sometimes, it can be hard to stick to the same exact thing for hours (or days) on end. Trying a new method (like the ones linked here or others) can help keep you engaged and to retain material more effectively. My favorite is the Pomodoro method, where I break up my studying into chunks of time so that I can incorporate short breaks.
  3. Consider putting your phone in another room: when your phone is sitting on your desk right next to your textbook, it can be hard to resist the urge to pick it up when your mind starts to wander. It has been found that the mere presence of your phone can be distracting and have negative impacts on memory (even if you manage to resist the urge to pick it up). Placing your phone in another room or in an out-of-sight location can help mitigate these effects.
  4. Connect with friends and family: if feelings of stress related to finals week get overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family to chat. Socialization can have positive impacts on mental health and is important to incorporate into our finals week routines. 
  5. Take advantage of university resources: check the Emory University Center for Student Wellbeing for mental wellbeing resources. These are here for you to utilize, so do not hesitate to explore them. Remember that your performance this finals week does not define you and that your mental health comes first! 

Acing the Fellowship Application Process

Category : PROspective

Applying for fellowships can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re juggling coursework, research, and a thesis or dissertation. But landing the right fellowship can open doors to incredible career opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience in your field. Whether you’re eyeing a public health agency, a research institute, or a global health nonprofit, these tips will help you navigate the process and put your best foot forward.

  • Start Early & Stay Organized – Fellowship applications aren’t something you want to throw together at the last minute. Many require personal statements, writing samples, and multiple recommendation letters—things that take time to craft (and time for your recommenders to write!). Create a spreadsheet with deadlines and required materials so nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Tailor Your Application – A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Each fellowship has its own priorities and mission, so tweak your resume, cover letter, and essays to reflect what they’re looking for. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit, whether that’s data analysis, community engagement, or policy work.

  • Leverage Your Network – If you know someone who’s been through a fellowship program you’re interested in, reach out! Alumni, faculty, and current fellows can provide inside info on what the selection committee values, what the interview process is like, and how to craft a standout application. A well-placed email or LinkedIn message can go a long way.

  • Showcase Impact, Not Just Experience – It’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about the difference you’ve made. Instead of simply listing job duties, frame your experiences in terms of outcomes. Did your research inform a policy change? Did your data analysis lead to a new intervention? Use concrete examples and, if possible, numbers to show the real-world impact of your work.

  • Prepare for Interviews – If you get an interview, congratulations! Now’s the time to practice talking about your research, your skills, and why you’re a great fit. Many fellowships look for strong communicators who can explain their work clearly, so practice with friends, mentors, or even in front of a mirror. Be ready for behavioral questions, like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a research project.”

  • Consider Multiple Options – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. There are fellowships in government (like CDC EIS or ORISE), academia, nonprofits, and even the private sector. Each has its own perks, from hands-on policy experience to deep research opportunities. Applying to a mix of programs increases your chances of landing one that fits your career goals.

  • Follow Up & Stay Engaged – After submitting your application or completing an interview, send a quick thank-you email to the people you spoke with. If you don’t get the fellowship, don’t burn bridges—staying in touch with program coordinators or former fellows can lead to other opportunities down the road.

Fellowship applications can be daunting, but with a solid strategy and a little persistence, you can land an opportunity that propels your career forward. Good luck—you’ve got this!

Unconventional Data Sources You May Not Have Known Could be Used for Public Health Research

Category : PROspective

When most people think of public data, they picture surveys, hospital records, or REDCap forms. But the world is full of unconventional, creative, and downright surprising sources of public health data. Some are used in cutting-edge research, others in outbreak response, and a few are just fun to explore when you need academic inspiration.

Here are some surprisingly powerful (and cool) data sources worth knowing about:

  1. Wastewater Surveillance: Your toilet flush could be a powerful public health signal. Wastewater has been used to detect COVID-19 waves before clinical spikes, polio in communities with low vaccination rates, and antibiotic resistance trends. Because wastewater captures population-level signals—no surveys, no self-reporting—it’s becoming a cornerstone of early outbreak detection. There are even public dashboards tracking viral concentration in real time.
  2. Social Media & Search Engine Data: Your tweets, Google searches, and TikTok videos aren’t just procrastination—they’re data. Google Trends was once used to estimate influenza activity globally. Negative reviews of scented candles were found to be positively correlated with COVID-19 surges. Social data is messy but rich—and perfect for EPI students interested in informatics, sentiment analysis, or misinformation research.
  3. Satellite Imagery: Public health data can be measured from outer space. These satellite scans can be used to examine environmental hazards, to inform natural disaster emergency response, and even to identify non-communicable disease patterns. Some datasets are free through NASA and NOAA, so log onto ArcGIS Pro and see what patterns you can identify!
  4. Glacial Ice Cores: Scientists drill deep into glaciers to analyze trapped air bubbles from thousands of years ago. These frozen time capsules can contain ancient bacteria, fragments of virus particles, and even anthrax spores that have the potential to cause disease if the permafrost were to melt. This data fits right in when epidemiology meets paleoclimatology—a niche, yes, but undeniably cool.
  5. Food Delivery Apps: Delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Doordash contain unconventional data on food purchasing patterns. Researchers have used this data to explore nutritional intake, to understand how social determinants of health are linked to weight status, and to inform future initiatives to improve access to healthy foods. These studies are a great example of researchers adapting their data sources to the modern technological environment to better population health for all.
  6. Critters and Creepy-Crawlies: Creatures can be sampled in the field to understand disease patterns within the zoonotic reservoir. Mosquito sampling can be used to predict patterns of West Nile Virus in humans. Hunters can submit deer for Chronic Wasting Disease testing to ensure safe consumption. Non-invasive sampling methods are also used to monitor for disease without disrupting ecosystems or causing unnecessary distress to animals. Understanding zoonotic data gives us the power of early detection, helping us in our efforts to stay one step ahead of the next pandemic.

Public health research is evolving. Traditional datasets are a great resource, but utilizing new methods can allow us to extend our research to new areas. These alternative sources can capture real-time behavior, reduce self-report bias, detect outbreaks early, and highlight inequities that medical data may miss. Keep an eye out for these methods when you are reviewing public health literature!

7 Movies and TV shows Epidemiologists Should Watch

Category : PROspective

Written by: Nafis Khan and Veronika Laird

This post was originally published on January 30, 2022.

If you’re like me, when winter hits you know the best place to be is inside. It gets dark earlier, everything is kind of dreary, plus all you want to do is take a nap. Some of my go to remedies for wintertime blues are tasty soup recipes, reading books (Re: 8 Books Every Epidemiologist Should Read), and watching TV. The cool thing about TV shows and movies is there are so many of them, and with the pandemic (and the emergence of omicron) there is so much time to find new ones. Now personally, I would rather catch up on the latest Netflix series than watch another zoom lecture. I may feel bad in the moment but there are tons of great shows and movies centered around public health to help me rationalize that decision. While some may be a bit more educational than others, I always like to tell myself that these programs depict the real world application of what I would be learning about anyways (Right??). Here are some cool shows and movies that I have stumbled across:

Andromeda Strain

  • After a U.S. military satellite lands in a rural town in Arizona, a deadly contagion kills everyone except two survivors. It soon begins spreading across the country as the military begins to quarantine the area while a small, secured team of highly specialized scientists are assembled. Their task is to find a cure and intervention for the pathogen named “Andromeda”. This initially was a book written by Michael Crichton, who is also the author of Jurassic Park, and became adapted into a limited TV series that was nominated for 7 Primetime Emmys.

 Contagion

    • A classic movie that got a lot of attention when the pandemic first began. It centers on a woman returning home from a business trip in Hong Kong only to pass away two days later back home in Minnesota. Shortly after, many others start to show the same symptoms and it quickly becomes a pandemic. While this film highlights the roles of epidemiologists, including EIS officers, virologists, and other scientists, it also considers the role of the media and misinformation. This movie is believed to be one of the more accurate infectious disease movies available to viewers.

Rise of Planet of the Apes

    • While some may not consider this a movie that highlights infectious diseases, it focuses on the animal-human interface and the importance of that relationship. A business has been testing their potential Alzheimer’s cure on various primates in their lab. After developing a gaseous version of a drug that is supposed to help with Alzheimer’s disease, a member of the company becomes sick and sneezes blood onto another colleague. It quickly spreads around the globe leading to a pandemic. (SPOILER ALERT) It isn’t until the second movie that we discover the biological origins of the drug and that it was derived from primates; making it a zoonotic disease.

World War Z

    • Following the outbreak of a mysterious and highly infectious disease, Brad Pitt’s Gerry Lane travels the world to identify the origins and a cure to this disease. What quickly becomes apparent to Lane is that this disease transforms those it infects into a zombie-like creature. While this movie may be a bit more intense than the traditional EIS officer deployment, it does show topics of disease transmission, public health policy, and the collaborative efforts on which epidemiologic work is built on. It also highlights the creativity sometimes needed when investigating an outbreak.

Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak

    • A docu-series that may be too on the nose to watch during an actual pandemic, Pandemic covers a range of topics such as a potential influenza pandemic, vaccine research, and threats of emerging viruses. Released just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the documentary follows doctors, other healthcare professionals, and anti-vaxxers for their insight into human health and the ecological effects of society.

Erin Brockovich

    • Based on a true story, the movie follows Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) on an investigation into the misconduct of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) that led to the carcinogenic groundwater contamination of Hinkley, CA. The movie depicts the litigious applications of an epidemiologic study. Showing how study data can be used to enact change, this movie captures the real world impact of epidemiology. Understanding the applications and effects of epidemiologic principles is important to know why a study or investigation is necessary.

Hopefully some of these movies or TV shows caught your eye. Even if you are stressing over exams, APEs, theses/capstone, etc. it is important to take some time to yourself and unwind. While these options offer insight into public health practice, there are tons of other options that are just as great. If we missed any, comment your favorite public health movies or shows.

 

Veronika is a Second-Year MPH student in the Global Epidemiology Program interested in researching zoonotic diseases. She studied integrative biology with a minor in chemistry and global health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in their honors program.

Nafis is a 2nd Year Epidemiology MPH student. He is from Morrisville, PA and got his B.S in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State University in 2018. When not in class you can catch Nafis hiking around Northern Georgia or finding other ways to stay active.

Featured Image by Denise Jans on Unsplash

LinkedIn for Epidemiologists

Category : PROspective

At some point since starting at Rollins, you have probably heard a faculty member, guest speaker, or classmate mention their LinkedIn profile. Some of you may be longtime LinkedIn users and others may be considering joining the platform for the first time. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, you may be wondering how you can make use of the resources that LinkedIn offers to its users. Here are some dos and don’ts for navigating LinkedIn as an epidemiologist:

DO:

  1. Follow Rollins School of Public Health! The RSPH page routinely posts about upcoming opportunities and articles that can help stay up to date on new research and happenings in the world of public health. You can also use the “Alumni” tab on the page to browse classmates and graduates that have added Rollins to their own profile.
  2. Use LinkedIn to keep up with other public health organizations. Many organizations of interest such as the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the American Cancer Society use LinkedIn to post job opportunities and updates to their programs. By navigating to the “People” tab on an organizations page, you can also browse current/former employees. If you see someone who is doing work that you are interested in, you can connect with or follow them to stay up to date on their research.
  3. Keep up with your classmates. Consider connecting with folks you meet in your classes here at Rollins. The world of public health is small, and you may find that LinkedIn can help you get back in touch with a classmate who is doing work you are interested in after graduation. This can make networking easier!
  4. Update your profile/make posts as you accomplish new things. LinkedIn allows you to showcase almost everything that you are doing at Rollins, from REAL jobs to student organizations to certifications you have obtained. By keeping your profile up to date, you put your best foot forward in the event that a potential employer views your profile. If you already have a resume, you can likely reuse that material to update your LinkedIn.
  5. Browse the “Jobs” tab on your LinkedIn homepage. Based on the experiences you have listed on your profile, LinkedIn may recommend jobs that seem aligned with your skills. This can be a good jumping-off point for a job search. While this can definitely be a good resource, be sure to check the website of the job posting before applying, as LinkedIn job postings may be created automatically and can sometimes leave out important job details or requirements that are featured on the employer’s website. 

DON’T:

  1. Don’t use LinkedIn as your only resource during a job hunt. When searching for a job, you do not want to close yourself off to any potential opportunities. Some employers do not use LinkedIn, so be sure to explore beyond one website. Like I said above, LinkedIn can be a good starting point during a job search, but it is important to use all of your resources, such as 12Twenty (or the Confounder!). 
  2. Don’t share information you do not feel comfortable having available publicly. While I have included keeping your profile updated in the “Do” section, it is important to remember that it is never required to post something on LinkedIn that you do not want to. Using LinkedIn is entirely optional, and some folks may choose not use it at all. Remember that there are always other ways to network and it is totally fine to say no to posting on/using LinkedIn.
  3. Don’t spend too much time on LinkedIn if it is impacting your mental health! While it can be a great resource for networking, it can also be draining to be constantly comparing yourself to the successes that your colleagues have posted about on LinkedIn. Studies have even found that using LinkedIn can be associated with feelings of impostor syndrome. At the end of the day, everyone’s career moves at a different pace and people only typically post about their successes. It is important to avoid comparing yourself to the deliberately curated profiles that are posted to LinkedIn. If you notice your mental health being impacted by LinkedIn, take some time away from the platform. Remember that it is not the only way to network or find jobs and that your mental health comes first!

7 Podcasts that Epidemiologists Should Add to their Rotation

Category : PROspective

Originally published Fall 2024.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a few go-to podcasts that you like to keep up with. Since starting at Rollins, I’ve been exploring new podcasts related to public health and epidemiology. They’ve been super helpful in staying informed about current events and happenings in the world of public health. So far, I have found 7 standouts that I definitely think every budding epidemiologist should give a listen to. I personally listen to all of these on Spotify, but they can be found pretty much wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. This Podcast Will Kill You – Exactly Right Media. TPWKY is hosted by Dr. Erin Welsh (PhD) and Dr. Erin Allmann Updyke (MD, PhD). They are both epidemiologists and disease ecologists who go over a different disease/medical mystery in each episode. So far, they have explored both chronic and infectious diseases from alpha-gal syndrome to Parkinson’s to hand foot mouth disease. As of today, there are 155 episodes with new ones being released weekly. As an added bonus, every episode features a “quarantini” cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic “placeborita” recipe. 
  2. Public Health Epidemiology Conversations – Dr. CH Huntley, Epidemiologist. This podcast is my go-to for career advice and resources. Dr. Huntley (PhD) covers topics like networking, health equity, and choosing career paths in public health. Dr. Huntley frequently invites guests from all areas of public health onto the podcast, giving them a platform to share fresh perspectives on the topic at hand. Episodes are often shorter than the typical podcast (10-30 minutes long), making the podcast perfect for busy MPH students looking to get a jump on their careers.
  3. Patient Zero – New Hampshire Public Radio. This limited-series podcast hosted by Taylor Quimby dives deep into the Lyme disease epidemic across 7 episodes. Patient Zero took me be surprise, as I was not particularly interested in Lyme disease prior to listening. However, the episodes were very engaging and I feel much more informed about the epidemic after listening. I would definitely recommend giving it a try!
  4. America Dissected – Incision Media LLC. On America Dissected, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (MD, DPhil) explores a wide variety of topics that influence our health, including racism, corporate capitalism, and so-called “wellness” influencers. Dr. El-Sayed reminds us that public health is a holistic topic impacted by almost all facets of society, and I have enjoyed the way that he investigates the context of these connections. As someone interested in infectious disease epidemiology, I have found that America Dissected has kept me thinking about issues public health beyond just infectious disease.
  5. The Cost of Care – Lemonade Media. This is another limited-series podcast that every epidemiologist should tune into. Hosted by health economist David Smith, the Cost of Care teaches the listener about the healthcare system in America and explores some potential solutions to fix some of the issues that exists within it. Despite having no background in economics, I found this podcast very palatable, so don’t let Smith’s background deter you from giving it a try!
  6. Everything is Public Health – MJ and Cass. Similarly to America Dissected, this podcast dives into the ways that various systems in society are related to public health. The hosts have explored topics that I had never  considered through a public health lens, and I definitely feel like I have become a more well-rounded student since I have started listening. Episodes are relatively short at around 25 minutes each, so I would definitely recommend squeezing them into your weekly routine!
  7. Truthers: Tiffany Dover is Dead – NBC News. This limited-series podcast explores the bizarre conspiracy theory that nurse Tiffany Dover was replaced by a body double after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020. Host Brandy Zadrozny, who is a reporter, does a great job in breaking down the origins of the conspiracy and how it played a role in the frenzy of vaccine related misinformation that was all to prevalent in the early days of the rollout. I remember hearing about this conspiracy in real time, so I enjoyed having it unpacked in its entirety. 

Happy listening!

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Epidemiology Department Rollins School of Public Health