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Fabiola, Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health : Advize Career Interview
A career in public health investigation offers a dynamic and impactful path.
A Bachelor's degree in health science, followed by a Master's in public administration, formed a strong foundation for this professional's journey, beginning with an internship that led to a trainee position and ultimately a management role.
The work is multifaceted, encompassing contact tracing, outbreak investigations (like COVID-19 and STDs), enforcing public health laws, and environmental monitoring.
Daily tasks involve field visits, home visits, clinic duties, and administrative work, requiring strong multitasking skills, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes.
The most rewarding aspect is helping individuals in need, although challenges include navigating a male-dominated field and overcoming community hesitancy towards medical care.
Success in this industry depends on communication, compassion, detail-orientation, and adaptability. Networking, internships, and proactive engagement are vital for entry-level positions and career success.
The biggest lesson learned is the importance of humility, open-mindedness, adaptability, and compassion. Thorough research before entering the field is crucial to understanding the demanding nature of the work.
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Fabiola Chavez
Public Health Investigation Manager
LA County Public Health
Cal State Northridge , 2004
Cal State Northridge
Accounting
Healthcare
Medical
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Career Path Of A Public Health Investigation Manager At LA County Public Health
Fabiola's career path began with a bachelor's in health science from Cal State Northridge, followed by a master's in public administration; an internship within the health department sparked a career shift from midwifery to public health investigation, leading to a "public health investigator trainee position" and ultimately their current role as a manager.
Main Responsibilities Of A Public Health Investigator At LA County Public Health
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health, describes a multifaceted role encompassing "contact tracing," investigating outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19 and STDs, and enforcing public health laws, including the power to detain individuals who refuse to comply with quarantine orders; the work takes place in diverse settings—"the office setting, the field, and the clinic"—and includes environmental monitoring, such as "water sampling to make sure the water is not contaminated."
A Day In The Life Of A Public Health Investigator At LA County Public Health
A day in the life of a Public Health Investigator at LA County Public Health involves "going out to the field, conducting field visits" on patients with conditions like tuberculosis or STIs, including home visits to interview patients and refer them for treatment, as well as working in a clinic to provide testing and treatment, and verifying treatment with other healthcare providers—making every day a unique blend of field work, clinic duties, and administrative tasks. The work includes challenges like encountering uncooperative individuals and navigating sensitive conversations with parents, but also the satisfaction of providing essential public health services.
Most Important Skills for a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, emphasizes the crucial need for multitasking, empathy, and "being non-judgmental," highlighting the importance of active listening and observing body language to gain a complete understanding, because "you have to treat everybody the same way," regardless of their background. A passion for helping people is paramount in this role, requiring one to approach every case with compassion and understanding.
Favorite Parts of Being a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health
Fabiola's favorite aspect of being a Public Health Investigation Manager is "working with individuals, helping individuals that need assistance," reflecting a core motivation to serve others. This highlights a career path driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives.
Biggest Challenges for a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, cites two key challenges: the need to constantly "prove yourself" as a woman in a male-dominated administration, and persuading individuals to overcome "fear of going to a medical setting, getting treatment," particularly for HIV testing. This highlights the dual burdens faced by professionals navigating gender dynamics within their field and addressing critical public health concerns.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Public Health Industry As A Public Health Investigation Manager
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, most enjoys "working with individuals, helping individuals get the care that they need," and educating the community about disease prevention and public health. This direct interaction and community education are key aspects of their fulfilling career in public health.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Public Health Industry According To A Public Health Investigation Manager At LA County Public Health
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, identifies key traits for success in the public health industry as "good communicators," "compassionate," "detailed oriented," and above all, "adaptable," because "things change from one minute to another." The work requires a passion for helping those "in need and need attention."
What a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Public Health Industry
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, found research crucial for entering the field, stating, "just do your homework," to avoid being "blindsided." The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the unexpectedly "very, very demanding" and "nonstop" nature of the work, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation for unforeseen challenges.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Public Health Professionals Los Angeles County Public Health
Entry-level positions in public health for undergraduates include "student worker" or "student professional worker" roles; Fabiola's experience as a student professional worker in the injury and violence prevention department provided invaluable exposure to the field, ultimately shaping their career path.
Significant Career Lesson from a Public Health Investigation Manager at LA County Public Health
Fabiola, a Public Health Investigation Manager, emphasizes the importance of "being humble, open-minded, adaptable, and compassionate" in her work. This approach is crucial for effectively assisting individuals facing health challenges, recognizing that "they come to you because they need help," and understanding the diverse backgrounds and potential traumas underlying their situations.
College Experiences That Helped A Public Health Investigation Manager At LA County Public Health Succeed
To achieve career success, Fabiola emphasizes the importance of proactive networking, stating "taking advantage of internships...going to hospitals...saying, 'Hey, can I do an internship?'". This involved building connections through shadowing, attending health events, and engaging with professionals in their field, maintaining these relationships to gain ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout one's career.
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