In the interview below, Jackson Grimes, YKHC’s very first Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) associate reflects on his journey to PHAP and how life in Bethel has impacted him. Jackson will be completing his PHAP assignment with the Office of Environmental Health & Engineering (OEHE) in early October. Thank you for spending time with us and helping our regional communities, Jackson! We wish you the best in your next career adventures.
Tell us a little about yourself – where did you grow up? Interests, hobbies, college, etc.
I grew up in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. Because my mom was a doctor in the Army, we moved a couple times growing up. I stayed in the DMV area for college though, getting a BS in Public Health from George Washington University. Hobbies-wise, I love gardening and I (used to) play a lot of tennis!
What spurred your interest in public health?
My mom, as a physician, really wanted me to follow in her footsteps. I was onboard with this plan, until I got to my 2nd year in college: I started an “Intro to Public Health” class that really opened my mind to how we can address, or even talk about, health problems in our country. Over time, I began to appreciate just how encompassing the subject area is—covering anything from childhood immunizations to safe drinking water—what I work on now in the Office of Environmental Health & Engineering (OEHE).
What attracted you to join PHAP?
I felt strongly that, after college, I wanted to work in the public health field before I go to graduate school. More than anything else, I wanted to get out of the classroom! When I stumbled upon PHAP in my last year of college, it felt like it was meant to be. The PHAP program offers recent graduates a work assignment at a host site (state, local, tribal, or non-profit organization) alongside professionals that are already working in public health; this assignment is then combined with trainings and networking opportunities provided by the CDC. All in all, I would argue this program has provided me with a great foundation for the rest of my public health career.
How have you grown as a professional and student during your time in Bethel?
Absolutely! It’d be impossible for me to describe all of the ways I have grown. I want to take this moment to shout out my supervisor, Alyssa Leary, for always encouraging learning and professional growth in our office! My attitude towards work (and life) has grown and become more mature (thankfully)—I am far more positive and open-minded than I was before moving to Bethel. I would argue I was definitely easy-going before I started the PHAP program, but, through all of the challenges and opportunities I’ve encountered during my time in Bethel, I have endeavored to remain open and positive; this has rewarded and saved me numerous times. Another important growth area has been in my communication skills. Again, because I had mostly only been in the classroom, there was plenty for me to learn in communication among both colleagues AND patients/community members.
What are highlights of PHAP?
So many highlights! I think the greatest highlights have been traveling to the villages for clinic surveys or rabies vaccinations. While I really like our office atmosphere at OEHE, I thoroughly appreciate every time I could go out in the field and meet community members. For myself, field work always seemed to help ground our work.
What would you change or like to see in PHAP now that you can reflect on your experiences and are close to the end of your term?
I hope that the PHAP program can expand the ways that it supports and encourages associates, like myself, to accept assignments in remote locations like Bethel. This is truly where the frontlines of public health are today. It saddens me that there are numerous, qualified candidates that are unable to accept remote assignments. While I understand it’s not for everyone, I feel strongly that there should be no barriers (financial, physical, etc.) for candidates to select Bethel (YKHC) as a host site for the PHAP program.
Any thoughts/advice for students who may be upcoming PHAP candidates?
If you’re a PHAP candidate, or you’re interested in becoming one, I would just recommend you stay flexible throughout the application process AND the program itself. It’s so cliché, unfortunately, but I couldn’t think of more important advice. Not only do you face plenty of challenges along the way, but you will encounter numerous opportunities that you don’t want to miss out on. If you stay flexible and open, you’ll be great and it’ll take you far!
Any other sentiments you wish to share?
I have been so grateful for my time in Bethel! I want to take this moment to say thank you to everyone that has interacted with me in the slightest—ou all have been incredibly welcoming and comforting! I hope to be back to visit friends very soon.
About PHAP
The Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is a competitive, two-year, paid training program with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Associates are assigned to state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and work alongside other professionals across a variety of public health settings.
Throughout the two-year training program, associates gain hands-on experience that will serve as a foundation for their public health careers. After graduating from PHAP, associates are qualified to convert non-competitively to full time positions in CDC centers, institutes, or offices and other HHS operating divisions, or apply for positions with public health agencies and non-governmental organizations. For more information about PHAP, visit Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) | CDC