Image credit: Merritt, R., Schooley, M., Wall, H. (2008). Epidemiology is from Mars...Evaluation is from Venus. Accessed on 4/1/2024 at https://chronicdisease.org/resource/resmgr/cvh_eval/schooley,_merritt,_wall_mars.pdf
As National Public Health Week unfolds, I've found myself reflecting on the limitations of job titles in capturing the diverse contributions of public health professionals. This introspection was sparked by recent experiences during my mother's illness and our interactions with healthcare providers.
My mother takes great pride in my Master's in Public Health, eagerly sharing it with anyone she believes should know, especially those in the medical field. Whether I'm supporting her during appointments over the phone or in person, she never misses a chance to highlight my public health background. "This is my daughter MaryCatherine," she announces with enthusiasm. "She's my epidemiologist."
Although my mother speaks of my epidemiology work in the present tense, I haven't held that specific job title since 2015. Previously, I worked for the Utah Department of Health, using data to shed light on how various health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart attacks, and strokes, affected Utahns. My role went beyond data analysis; I delved into how these diseases were distributed across populations, emphasizing community vulnerabilities and strengths, as well as the impact of policies and systems on public health outcomes. I cherished this role for eight fulfilling years before transitioning into consultancy, where I now focus on fostering collaboration among community, state, and national organizations to enhance health outcomes for underserved populations.
My current role doesn't neatly fit into a single job title like "epidemiologist," yet it embodies the essence of public health advocacy and systems change. I collaborate with Free and Charitable Clinics, their partners, and other safety net organizations across the US, offering support in capacity building related to needs assessment, strategic planning, evaluation, and sustainability. Despite this, when my mother proudly introduces me to medical professionals ranging from CNAs to surgeons, the precision-minded epidemiologist in me wrestles with the urge to correct her. However, getting absorbed in job titles provides a welcome distraction from the weighty health discussions that have instigated the meetings.
As I focus on the broader context of Public Health Week, I recognize that while I may no longer hold the title of epidemiologist, the role is in my heart and in my mother's perception. What truly matters isn't the exact job title but the sentiment underlying my mother's words. In her eyes, the descriptor that holds the most significance isn't "epidemiologist"; it's simply "my." So, the next time she proudly introduces me as her epidemiologist, I will embrace it as a testament to the depth of her love and our bond, knowing that in her eyes, I am more than just a job title.
Many hugs, high-fives, and cheers to the public health professionals who persist in the field and serve as our voices to communities and policymakers.
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