Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPublic Health Associate
Jul. 2012 - Jul. 2014San Antonio, TXCDC fellow assigned to the Texas Department of State Health Services for two years through the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP). PHAP is a competitive, two-year, paid fellowship focuses in training associates in Public Health through state, tribal, local or territorial entities. Year 1: HIV/STD Program-Disease Intervention Specialist (July 2012-August 2013) Assisted in the HIV/STD program as a Disease Investigation Specialist and conducted an array of interviews, aided in direct patient management, and program restructuring components. Training specialized in risk reduction, prevention, partner notification, and counseling. Coordinated interviews with patients and medical professionals in order to seek adequate patient care. Utilized specific programmatic software for data management and surveillance purposes. Facilitated client-patient management and helped patients through testing and treatment for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Assisted patients in notifying partners for different STDs and referral to services for HIV. Managed monthly logs for auditing purposes. Participated in many trainings including Fundamentals of Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention, Phlebotomy, FEMA, Introduction to Tuberculosis Nurse Case Management. Year 2: Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program (August 2013-Present) Administer Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for patients under regional treatment therapy. Monitor patients during drug therapy for adverse drug reactions and symptoms related to Tuberculosis. Assist as an interpreter for the Spanish-speaking patients of our region. Provide support for staff on a need basis. Provide direct patient-provider care by helping nursing staff with patients' monthly toxicity checks. Assist with educating patients on TB through education materials. Provide support in creating comprehensive programmatic procedures, specifically for the correctional facilities in our region, to ensure comprehensive, transparent patient care.