Navigating New Realities: Strengthening Partnerships in Public Health Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the dynamics of human interaction, forcing many to adapt to virtual modes of communication and causing a loss of in-person relationships.
As part of a collaborative effort to reconnect with partners in person post-pandemic, the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has been actively engaging with community partners throughout the semester of Fall 2023.
Recognizing the critical role of mentorship in shaping the future of public health leadership, both the department and organizations like the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) are committed to addressing contemporary health challenges and fostering positive change within communities.
Under the guidance of Katelyn McGuigan, M.P.H., associate director of professional development for the master's programs in public health, collaborative endeavors with FDOH, including Yoselin Rodriguez, M.P.H., a biological scientist, along with colleague Kelsey Bricker, M.P.H., and their supervisor, Guoyan Zhang, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director at FDOH in Miami-Dade County, are actively exploring avenues to deepen the partnership between the department and FDOH.
Both the department and FDOH expressed eagerness to strengthen their partnership, recognizing its mutual benefits. “The FDOH also reiterated their dedication to working and our students and shared how our students have made and could make a difference in their work moving forward,” said McGuigan.
“We are very excited to collaborate with the department and continue to host M.P.H. students from the University of Miami,” said Dr. Zhang. “We have gained valuable insight on improving our relationship to better serve your students and we hope that they will consider DOH-Miami-Dade for their capstone field experience.”
Discussions revolved around enhancing student engagement, with a focus on innovative strategies such as in-person informational sessions, career panels moderated by students or alumni, and the creation of video content addressing current public health issues in the community.
“Collaborative endeavors with community partners like the FDOH provide our students with invaluable mentorship and practical experiences in a broad array of public health areas. This exposure is critical for these emerging public health practitioners, as these experiences aid in guiding them towards their future career choices, thereby reshaping and augmenting the public health landscape,” said Terese E. Maitland, Ph.D., M.P.H., MSc, DHM, director of Community Relations, in the Department of Public Health Sciences.
As part of this initiative, Rodriguez was recognized for her outstanding mentorship and guidance of graduate students during their capstone programs. Public health students have expressed profound appreciation for the academic environment she cultivated, enabling them to contribute meaningfully while benefiting personally and professionally from the experience.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez and members of the FDOH team are set to participate in the upcoming Capstone and Career Meet & Greet networking event, scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2024, at 10:30 AM. This event promises to further strengthen ties between the academic and public health sectors, facilitating opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on March 26, 2024.
