Kelsey
Q: Can you please introduce yourself?
A: Hello, I'm Kelsey Ober, currently in my last semester at Boston University, where I'm pursuing a Master's in Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. This is my first time working in the field of public health, and I’m excited to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful health initiatives.
Q: Can you describe your role and responsibilities during your local public health internship?
A: During my local public health internship, I served as an intern at a local health department, where I was supervised by a mentor who guided me throughout the experience. My responsibilities included conducting food and pool inspections, where I tested chemical levels such as chlorine and ensured proper ventilation and safety protocols. I also assessed safety plans for camps and provided guidance on health department standards to maintain safety. Additionally, I put together educational materials to provide information on ticks, mosquitoes, and influenza for the office. A highlight of my internship was authoring newsletters for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) on critical public health topics, promoting community engagement and awareness. Overall, my projects and hands-on experiences at the state level were rewarding and helped enhance my understanding of public health practices.
Q: Describe your academic background and how you ended up in Public health.
A: I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stonehill College and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Regis College. As a registered and licensed occupational therapist, I practiced briefly before realizing I wanted to focus on public health to address health issues on a larger scale. I found data and epidemiology particularly intriguing, which influenced my decision to specialize in these areas.
What I enjoy most about working in local public health is its person-centered approach. It allows for both broad and specific focuses, depending on the needs of the population, making the work rewarding. I appreciate how it addresses what truly matters to people, offering an extensive and adaptable approach to public health.
Q: What challenges have you encountered while working in local public health, and what strategies or approaches did you use to overcome them?
A: Since my experience in local public health has primarily been as an intern, one of the challenges I faced was having a background that differed from many of my peers. Coming from an applied sciences perspective, I had to adapt to a new environment and a different approach to public health. I also took classes that were more challenging because they required knowledge I had less expertise in. To overcome these challenges, I made it a point to take the time to ask questions and seek clarification, which helped me bridge the gaps in my understanding and adapt more effectively.
Q: Career Evolution: "How has your perspective on public health evolved since you started your career?"
A: Once I decided that I didn't want to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, I saw research as my first step into the field of public health. Since then, my interests have expanded, and I've grown to appreciate the broad and impactful nature of public health work. I enjoy how it directly engages with communities, addressing real-world issues that matter to people. While my perspective has evolved to include a greater appreciation for the applied, person-centered aspects of public health, I still maintain a strong interest in research and its potential to drive evidence-based solutions.
Q: What is the most important lesson you've learned from your time as an intern in local public health?
A: The most important lesson I've learned from my time as an intern in local public health is that health and safety are at the core of everything. My experience, along with the guidance from my supervisor and support from the health department, helped me understand why certain systems and processes are in place. It’s about ensuring safety and promoting health through evidence-based practices. I've also learned the value of genuinely caring about others and remembering that the work we do is ultimately about helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. This perspective has been a key takeaway from my internship experience.
Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to begin a local public health career?
A: My advice for someone looking to begin a career in local public health is to stay open-minded and embrace the variety of opportunities the field offers. Public health, especially at the local level, is broad and diverse, so being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected learning and growth. If you're starting as an intern, take advantage of every opportunity, whether it's visiting a lab, participating in trivia or community events, or joining meetings. You'll encounter things you might never have thought about, and exploring different areas can help expand your perspective and open your mind to new possibilities.
Q: Personal Interests: Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you have that contribute to your well-being and perspective in your professional life?
A: Outside of work, I’m a big animal lover with three dogs that I enjoy training. I also have a passion for horse riding, and they are fun to be around with and play with. Additionally, I practice Pilates.
Tell Us Why You Work in Local Public Health
Want to share your local public health story? Email us at localregionalpublichealth@mass.gov, and we’ll get in touch! We would love to share the diverse voices and experiences of those who work in communities to support public health.