What has been your favorite part about working at the EIP?
My favorite part about working at the EIP has been the hands-on experience I have gained and the connections I have made with colleagues. While I have mainly worked on vaccine history follow-up for influenza and RSV cases, I have had the opportunity to learn about many of the other projects taking place at the EIP and attend meetings outside of RESP-NET. For instance, I was able to participate in some HAIC meetings, as well as the Climate Change and Health Workgroup, which exposed me to the collaborative nature of the EIP.
What, if any, specific skills did you learn or develop through your work at the EIP? (ex. chart review, public interviews, data management, etc).
I learned a lot about data management and how REDCap works. I enjoyed being able to familiarize myself with this software system by creating and editing reports. I was also able to develop comprehensive interviewing skills by speaking to hundreds of patients, primary care providers, and nursing home facilities.
How do you feel the EIP has prepared you to enter the public health workforce?
Working at the EIP has allowed me to gain practical skills in data collection and develop strong organizational abilities, as I was responsible for collecting data on hundreds of cases. I also now have a better understanding of how crucial communication and collaboration between public health agencies and hospitals is. Overall, my time at the EIP has motivated me to continue pursuing a career in infectious disease epidemiology.
What are your professional plans after graduation?
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I hope to complete my master's degree in infectious disease epidemiology.