Shin-Yi Lao
Q: Tell us about your role in local public health and what you do.
A: In my role in local public health, I focus on various aspects of community health and prevention. My responsibilities include enforcing state and local sanitary codes, investigating communicable diseases, managing flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs, emergency preparedness, school health initiatives, and addressing mental health and substance use disorder. I recently stepped into a new role as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, which I've been in for the past three months. In this position, I manage a team responsible for these activities and lead strategic planning to enhance our community health efforts.
Q: Describe your early career with DPH and what you gained.
A: I began my early career in local public health as a public health nurse with the Newton Health and Human services Department. This role, which I held for five years, set a solid foundation for me, allowing me to learn the ins and outs of local public health and understand its nuances. I gained a deeper appreciation for the various ways we can impact the community, from disease prevention to promoting overall well-being. This experience was instrumental in shaping my approach to public health and prepared me for more leadership roles in the field.
Q: What do you like most about working in local public health?
A: What I like most about working in local public health is the variety of work we do. I get to be involved in a range of activities, from enforcing health codes and managing vaccination programs to addressing mental health and emergency preparedness. Another aspect I appreciate is the opportunity to make a direct impact on people's lives. Whether it's through one-on-one interactions or broader population-level initiatives, I can see the tangible effects of our work, which is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What challenges have you encountered while working in local public health, and what strategies or approaches did you use to overcome them?
A: One of the main challenges in local public health, which is also common across various areas of public health, is the overwhelming nature of certain problems, like the housing crisis. These issues are immense and complex, and they are compounded by limitations on resources. While we have a great team, we still face the need to be strategic, especially during a crisis. We have to ask ourselves how we can make a meaningful impact on people's lives with the resources we have.
I've learned that there are ways to create meaningful change, but it requires accepting that these problems don’t have quick solutions. In reality, addressing these challenges is a long-term process, and I’m okay with understanding that the issues may not be solved immediately or solely by my efforts. It’s about making steady, strategic progress over time.
Q: What is the most important lesson you've learned from your time in local public health?
A: The most important lesson I've learned from my time in local public health is that it's all about relationships. Building strong connections with the community, including businesses, health care institutions, and non-governmental organizations, is essential. It's through these relationships that we can work together to address and solve public health challenges. Collaboration and partnership within the community are key to creating effective and sustainable solutions.
Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to begin a local public health career?
A: For someone looking to begin a career in local public health, my advice is to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities. While these can sometimes be challenging to find, they offer invaluable hands-on experience. If those opportunities aren't available, consider shadowing professionals or having conversations with people already working in the field. Public health encompasses a wide range of careers, many of which aren’t typically covered in school, so talking to people about their roles can give you a clearer understanding of what’s out there. It's worth putting in the effort to ask questions, explore different options, and have conversations, as they can be more beneficial than you might expect.
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 enjoy a variety of hobbies that help me stay balanced and bring a fresh perspective to my professional life. I love to read, which allows me to unwind and continually learn. I also enjoy rock climbing, which challenges me both physically and mentally. Additionally, I’m a big food enthusiast—I love exploring new restaurants and experimenting with cooking and baking at home. Some of my favorite spots include Myers + Chang in Boston and Sarma in Somerville. These activities not only contribute to my well-being but also keep me curious and open to new experiences.
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.