Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Eduardo Ruiz, Chief Information Officer at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), about artificial intelligence and the future of public health.

Eduardo discusses how public health can responsibly adopt AI, why human oversight and data governance matter, and how schools can prepare the next generation for an AI-enabled workforce. He also shares his unconventional journey from laboratory science to technology leadership and why technology should always remain centered on people.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction and Eduardo's background
@3:20 What is human-centered AI?
@6:42 How Eduardo became CIO at ASPPH
@8:55 Technology as an enabler and equalizer
@12:11 Public health's response to digital transformation
@20:01 The need for AI frameworks in public health
@26:34 Opportunities of AI in public health over the next five years
@30:52 Safeguards and responsible AI use
@33:25 Guiding principles for AI adoption in public health
@39:02 Preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce
@41:16 What public health means to Eduardo
@44:06 Eduardo's early interest in science and shift to technology
@45:49 The story behind Eduardo's career shift
@50:12 Proud accomplishments as CIO
@51:42 Data points that keep Eduardo awake at night
@53:09 Advice for students pursuing public health careers
@54:36 Advice for aspiring CIOs
@56:07 Personal development and self-care
@57:01 Recommended professional resources
@58:02 Advice to younger self
@59:42 Closing remarks and gratitude

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the ongoing trust issues in public health, particularly highlighted during the pandemic. He emphasizes the need for community engagement and building trust between public health professionals and the communities they serve. Omari also reflects on the current political landscape's impact on public health and the importance of networking and professional development for public health professionals. He encourages listeners to take proactive steps in their communities and to participate in upcoming coaching sessions.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction and personal update
@2:30 Building community engagement and trust
@3:24 Addressing community distrust and proactive connection
@4:22 Political landscape and future public health systems
@5:42 Barriers and opportunities in public health policy
@6:41 The need for diverse perspectives in public health
@7:10 Understanding policy impacts and community suffering
@8:25 Public health career skills: networking and communication
@9:21 Upcoming public health initiatives and community safety
@10:50 Closing remarks and call to action

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Nicholas Alford, DrPH, MPH about men’s health, systems thinking, and his journey from healthcare operations to public health consulting.

In this episode, Dr. Alford explores how masculinity and social expectations influence men’s health-seeking behaviors, particularly among Black men, and why public health messaging needs to better empower the people it hopes to reach. He also discusses the role of evaluation, community engagement, and State Health Improvement Plans in turning public health strategy into meaningful action.

Dr. Alford also reflects on his journey from healthcare operations and Medicaid policy to statewide public health planning and consulting. He shares lessons from earning his MPH and DrPH, the value of lived experience, and why understanding systems, networking, mentorship, and listening are essential for building a successful public health career.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction and Dr. Nick Alford's background
@3:43 Personal background and identity
@4:45 Current role as a public sector consultant
@9:32 Projects and effectiveness in consulting
@20:14 Men's health, masculinity, and personal experiences
@34:14 Closing the gap between evidence and community
@37:49 The importance of state health improvement plans
@40:11 Lived experience and sector diversity in public health
@42:19 What public health means to Dr. Nick Alford
@44:04 Undergrad journey and initial interest in health
@46:29 Public health as a connected system
@49:11 Deciding to pursue a master's in public health
@51:24 Pursuing a doctor of public health and its impact
@55:25 Doctoral training and community engagement
@58:44 Your dissertation as your brand
@1:01:11 Lessons learned from doctoral studies
@1:03:26 Advice for aspiring public health leaders
@1:13:35 Balancing life and doctoral studies
@1:16:19 Advice to younger self and closing thoughts

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast breaks down why communication is not just a “nice-to-have” skill in public health. It is part of how we build trust, strengthen support for the field, and advocate for our own careers.

We talk about how to:

- Explain public health without relying on jargon
- Communicate your value beyond your degree or job title
- Use stories alongside data
- Make your work more visible
- Become a better translator for your area of public health
- Advocate for yourself while advocating for the profession

Public health cannot expect the work to simply speak for itself.

If we want more people to understand, value, and support public health, we have to get better at telling the story.

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Chapters

@0:00 Public health has a marketing problem
@2:13 Clarifying your work and its impact
@3:58 The power of storytelling over statistics
@6:32 Becoming a translator for public health
@7:45 The current challenges in public health communication
@8:26 Empowering public health professionals to advocate and communicate

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Ashley Loveless, DrPH, MPH about her journey from public health into criminal justice and her work at the intersection of harm reduction, substance use, and community safety.

In this episode, Ashley explores how drug checking and other harm reduction strategies can save lives, why trust and relationships are critical when working across public health and criminal justice systems, and the role of data sharing in overdose prevention. She also discusses restorative approaches to justice and how working directly with marginalized communities has shaped her approach to public health.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction to Dr. Ashley Loveless and episode overview
@14:57 Work in substance use initiatives and drug checking
@18:10 Understanding harm reduction and its community impact
@20:25 Stories illustrating harm reduction's life-saving potential
@23:32 Intersection of criminal justice and public health
@28:33 What public health means to her
@29:20 Her journey into public health and education background
@34:13 Pursuing a DrPH and its significance
@35:50 Research on advanced drug checking and trust-building
@38:19 Leadership skills gained through doctoral studies
@40:32 Early work in NICU and lessons learned
@42:54 Experience as a harm reduction volunteer and community engagement
@43:59 Work at Mile High Behavioral Health Care and lessons learned
@46:04 Impact of direct service work on professional approach
@49:38 Overdose response strategy at CDC Foundation
@50:18 Importance of data sharing in overdose crises
@51:26 Work with Trailhead Institute supporting public health infrastructure
@53:28 Advice for students and professionals in public health
@54:21 Skills needed to navigate policy and government
@55:45 Furious Five: Public health advice and personal growth insights

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast shares essential advice for public health students on how to succeed in their careers.

He emphasizes the importance of overcoming identity crises, bridging the skills gap, gaining real-world experience, effective communication, networking, finding a focus, and turning frustration into actionable steps. The discussion aims to equip students with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in the public health field.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction: Why Public Health Matters
@0:12 The Public Health Identity Crisis
@1:10 Bridging the Skills Gap
@2:27 Gaining Practical Experience Outside Class
@5:06 The Reality of Public Health Writing
@7:10 Networking as a Core Skill
@8:43 Exploring Public Health Pathways
@9:37 Turning Outrage into Action
@11:16 Final Tips for Aspiring Public Health Professionals

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Kierra Sarfo-Katanka, MPH.

Kierra is Founder and Executive Director of Data & Narrative Collective, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and lived experience can make public health more human.

We talk about her journey from theater and pre-med to public health, why data alone rarely tells the full story, and how film and media can build empathy and communicate complex health issues. Kierra also takes us behind the scenes of her debut documentary, Women with the Issue of Blood, which centers women’s experiences and shines a light on gaps in gynecological and reproductive healthcare.

We also get into community engagement, misinformation, graduate school, career development, and what it means to build a public health career at the intersection of your different passions.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction to Kierra Sarfo-Katanka, MPH and her work
@3:36 Kierra's background in theater and filmmaking
@6:02 The origin of Data and Narrative Collective
@10:00 Connecting research, storytelling, and community impact
@15:54 Women with the Issue of Blood documentary and community impact
@21:47 Key messages from the documentary and health disparities  @24:10 Recommendations for healthcare providers and policy change
@27:23 Inspiration behind building Public Health Key platform
@42:28 What public health means to Kierra
@45:16 Kierra's academic journey and public health career

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the characteristics and strategies of the new 1% public health professionals who are advancing their careers effectively.

He emphasizes the importance of measurable impact, building relationships, and the value of soft skills alongside technical skills. The discussion also covers the significance of understanding funding and policy, leveraging AI, creating opportunities, and the necessity of tailoring job applications. Omari highlights the need for continuous learning and engagement in the field, as well as the importance of passion combined with strategic thinking for long-term success in public health careers.


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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction to the 18 principles of top public health professionals
@0:49 Building relationships consistently, not just when unemployed
@2:19 Soft skills are as valuable as technical skills
@3:34 Reframing imposter syndrome as a sign of growth
@5:06 Understanding funding, policy, and power in public health
@6:03 Using AI strategically while mastering foundational skills
@7:18 Creating impact snapshots and documenting wins
@8:15 Building a strong LinkedIn presence
@9:11 Creating opportunities instead of waiting for permission
@10:35 Tailoring resumes and stories to each role
@11:30 Exploring careers beyond traditional settings
@13:05 Learning practical, in-demand skills
@14:28 Communicating effectively with diverse audiences
@15:24 Documenting impact and building a boundaries document
@16:48 Protecting energy and building a sustainable life
@17:49 Taking initiative and being dependable
@19:23 Knowing when to say no and setting boundaries
@19:43 Staying informed and engaged in public health
@20:14 Balancing passion with strategy and visibility
@22:06 Conclusion and upcoming resources and events

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Anthony Cornelius Gittens, DrPH, CHES.

He shares his journey in public health, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, representation in clinical trials, and the role of language and culture in shaping public health initiatives. He discusses his current role as a community clinical manager, the challenges of building trust with historically underrepresented communities, and the significance of community health workers. 

Dr. Gittens also reflects on his educational journey and the lessons learned along the way, advocating for a public health approach that prioritizes equity and access for all. In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Gittens shares his journey into public health, highlighting transformative experiences in Colombia that shaped his perspective. He discusses the importance of education in public health, particularly his master's and doctoral studies, and emphasizes the need for leadership and community engagement in the field. Dr. Gittens reflects on his various roles in public health, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of networking and personal development for aspiring public health professionals.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction and Guest Background
@1:28 Journey into Public Health and Global Experience
@2:09 Mental and Physical Challenges of Jujitsu
@3:45 Language, Culture, and Community Engagement
@5:35 Current Role at Inside Edge Consulting Group
@9:18 Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials
@13:35 Weekly Routine and Community Engagement
@16:06 Most Enjoyable Aspects of the Role
@17:33 Challenges in Building Community Trust
@19:13 Teaching at Calbright College
@21:37 Rebuilding Trust in Clinical Trials
@25:18 Common Themes Across Public Health Sectors
@29:21 Transportation as a Public Health Issue
@31:33 Role of Community Health Workers
@33:47 Personal Definition of Public Health
@34:56 Initial Draw to Kinesiology and Exercise Science
@36:06 Transformative Experience in Colombia
@37:19 Discovering Public Health as a Field
@39:12 Deciding to Pursue Public Health and Global Health
@42:04 Lessons from Living in Colombia
@43:13 Impact of MPH on Community Engagement
@45:36 Choosing the DrPH for Leadership Focus
@48:28 Lessons in Public Health Leadership and Systems
@50:45 Advice for Public Health Students
@1:02:01 Roles in Public Health and Military Service
@1:03:15 Preparing for Career Transitions
@1:04:32 Community Engagement Improvements Needed
@1:07:55 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals
@1:12:42 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth
@1:13:14 Recommended Resources and Books
@1:15:07 Advice to Younger Self

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Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the evolving landscape of public health education and the characteristics that distinguish the new generation of public health students. 

He emphasizes the importance of intentionality in career preparation, the need for practical skills, and the value of networking and building relationships. Omari outlines 15 key strategies that can help students stand out in the competitive job market, including building a professional online presence, engaging in informational interviews, applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects, and staying curious about emerging trends in public health.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction and overview of the new public health student mindset
@2:18 The importance of intentional skill development
@4:20 Building your professional presence early
@5:08 The power of informational interviews
@6:19 Applying classroom concepts to real projects
@7:18 Communicating beyond public health
@9:14 Using AI sparingly and strategically
@11:39 Developing practical, hireable skills
@11:58 Exploring diverse public health careers
@13:23 Building relationships instead of going solo
@14:16 Taking initiative before feeling ready
@16:09 Grades versus real-world experience
@17:04 Documenting wins and achievements
@19:00 Communicating impact with confidence
@20:37 Staying curious about the future of public health
@21:06 The power of consistency and small actions
@21:35 Starting before you're fully ready
@22:24 Final thoughts and encouragement

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