fall 2021 edition
PHLOT news
The Public Health Leaders of Tomorrow Program newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE dean's message program mission & history notable achievements alumni spotlight: clara desanctis online programs intern's experience: arianna stone mentor's view: charles williams need an intern? phlot can help! phlot-funded internship projects the faces of phlot rocking public Health: cynthiA mosher phlot tuition support for employees covid-19 pandemic response the stars of public health new & graduating students
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Greetings! If there were ever a time to recognize and applaud the astounding, tireless and amazing efforts of our public health workforce, it is now. Riding this roller coaster for almost 18 months has presented its challenges and setbacks, but I'm humbled, grateful and incredibly proud of the way our school continues to educate and train our future public health leaders in and out of the classroom. The pandemic has taught us the importance of flexibility, tenacity and resiliency and our public health leaders have certainly risen to the challenge. I commend them on a job well done and look forward to better days ahead. Within this newsletter, you will see the remarkable work our students have been able to accomplish during the most taxing of times. I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to those of you who contribute your time and energy to the critical and complex tasks that make a significant impact on our communities in New York State, and to the constituents who provide us with the resources to allow us to make it all happen. Dr. David R. Holtgrave Dean, University at Albany School of Public Health
dean's message
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Launched in 2006 as a collaboration between Senator Kemp Hannon (Chairman of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Health), Peter Levin (former Dean of the School of Public Health) and the New York State Department of Health, the PHLOT program serves as a collaborative effort in response to the New York State Public Health Council Report of 2003, highlighting the State’s need to bolster the public health workforce, particularly related to promoting public health careers and leadership training. It provides funding for state and local health department employees to complete academic coursework leading to professional graduate degrees, receive advanced training in public health practice, and engage in leadership and professional development activities.
The mission of the Public Health Leaders of Tomorrow program is to support the development of a trained public health workforce and a cadre of public health professionals capable of and experienced with working in state and local public health departments. It is designed to strengthen the public health infrastructure of New York State through academic, practical and leadership training opportunities.
public health leaders of tomorrow program
mission
history
Funding for PHLOT is made possible through the Governor’s Executive Budget via the New York State Department of Health’s annual budget appropriation.
29
*data compiled from PHLOT MOU Program Highlights Report, 2006-2020
of the counties in New York State have benefited from having a student complete an internship at their health department
$5.4M
$1.9M
has been dedicated to strengthening our New York State public health workforce since 2006
public health professionals have received advanced training through graduate-level coursework
internship stipends were awarded to public health graduate students completing projects alongside seasoned professionals in county health departments and the Department of Health in New York State
PHLOT tuition award recipients reported receiving a promotion after completing School of Public Health graduate coursework since 2016
245
Notable achievements
76%
alumni spotlight: Clara desanctis
DeSanctis began her career in public health at Planned Parenthood, supporting and enforcing women’s rights to reproductive health.In 2006, she took her first public health class as a non-degree student, with the aim of achieving amaster’s in public health with an emphasis on social and behavioral health. At that point in her career, she had spent a decade working in the field via direct service and community education. However, she wanted to dedicate her subsequent work to improving the health of marginalized populations where basic access to human fundamental rights, such as health care, education, and safer environments, are necessary for communities to live, play, and thrive.As the mother of an active elementary-aged daughter and a full-time, bread winning female employee at the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, her time was valuable.Having funding available through the PHLOT program sharpened her desire and provided a big incentive to continue her education.Being passionate about health equity and social justice, obtaining her degree with support from PHLOT was invaluable. “The master’s degree program has greatly impacted the work I do on a day-to-day basis,” describes DeSanctis.“It has helped me in numerous ways by identifying relevant data, clarifying public health problems and collecting valuable feedback from the priority population we serve in order to develop, design and deliver relevant and user-friendly health programming. My degree also boosted and fine-tuned my problem-solving skills and taught me the basics of epidemiology.” DeSanctis fully recognized what the PHLOT program afforded her. “Financial incentives that support full-time professionals working in the field of public health are critical. They help dedicated people to advance their education, develop and grow while supporting their commitment to their particular field of public health and their own community,” she explains. “As employees enter the public health arena with limited work experience, degree programs such as the one I pursued outline the basics and provide key information to give them a competitive edge in the field. Having students new to the field connect to relevant professors, other public health professionals and become immersed in different subject matters important to the health of all New Yorkers is vital. DeSanctis, who was one of the original tuition award recipients when the PHLOT program began, completed her degree in Summer 2020. She acknowledges, “The Master’s program at the University of Albany is a successful recipe to support the growth, career and skills of any public health practitioner in the field today. I am forever grateful for PHLOT’s financial support and access to world-recognized academic and real-world public health experiences.”
clara desanctis is the Program Coordinator for the nYS department of Health's Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) in the Office of Drug User Health. To learn more about the program , visit this website
MPH IN PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE (14 ONLINE COURSES + INTERNSHIP)
CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH surveillance & preparedness (5 ONLINE COURSES)
PHLOT TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME LHD & NYS DOH EMPLOYEES !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SPHONLINE @ALBANY.EDU OR (518) 402-6479
REGISTER FOR OUR VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION!
Develop skills to effectively design, implement and evaluate public health interventions Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Potential to waive up to 6 internship credits based on previous public health work experience
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 2021 NOON-1PM
Gain a foundation in critical public health concepts and increased knowledge of interdisciplinary topics All 6 courses count towards the MPH
step it up in an online program
CHOOSE ONLINE & EARN YOUR DEGREE!
Develop skills to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies All 5 courses count towards the MPH
Take courses from any location? Rigorous education without a commute? Flexibility of a part-time program?
CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDAMENTALS & PRINCIPLES (6 ONLINE COURSES)
"Having received an SPH Internship Fellowship Award through PHLOT, I was able to fully engage into my internship without having the financial burden of tuition. The PHLOT program provides essential support to graduate students completing internships at state and local health departments."
in online program !
During my internship, I had the wonderful opportunity to develop an Age-Friendly Dashboard for New York State Department of Health’s website related to measuring the impact of and informing the public on age-friendly communities and the eight domains of livability. I also worked on planning, developing, and engaging program partners on an evaluation framework for a statewide Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program. The experience reassured my passion in long-term care and aging. I always knew I wanted a career in long-term care and aging, but I wasn’t really sure what that looked like. My internship exposed me to all the different opportunities I have in this field and gave me a glimpse into what it looks like to work at a state health department. It also helped me to develop new skills and knowledge that I will continue to use moving forward in the public health field. I will always value it because it allowed me to expand my network and build professional relationships which I will continue to use after graduation.
celebrating phlot success: the intern's experience
arianna stone MPH '21 health policy & management
new york state department of health office of public health practice
Arianna completed several projects that entailed literature review, policy analysis, data analysis, dashboard development and memo writing. Her assistance was invaluable to the Department. and and allowed several projects that otherwise would have been delayed given the pandemic response to not only advance, but reach completion. Her work will enable us to move forward with several very important initiatives related to age-friendly health care and program evaluation. For several years I have had the opportunity to work with UAlbany SPH student interns, and all have brought a unique perspective, professionalism and dedication to the work that they perform. The enthusiasm for their work and willingness to go beyond their responsibilities has also been a common theme, and especially helpful during the pandemic response the last year and a half. PHLOT funding is integral and well-deserved. No student should have to volunteer their work in addition to paying their tuition to graduate. The funding is necessary as a recognition of not only these students' hard work, but also the value the internship locations receive from their interns.
charles williams program advisor
celebrating phlot success: the mentor's view
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KATRINA CHAMBERLAIN, MS, MPH DIRECTOR, INTERNSHIPS & CAREER SERVICES (518) 402-0404
450 students have been supported in PHLOT funded internships since 2006
Project proposals must be submitted through the SPH Internship Program by the deadline date to be considered f Mentors must have an advanced degree, ideally within the field of public health Proposals must include comprehensive project descriptions, outcomes and deliverables Projects must be able to be fulfilled by an SPH MPH or MS student required to complete an internship Must first pursue financial support for the project through their organization, if it is available
Students receive either a $2,500 (3 credit) or $5,000 (6 credit) SPH Internship Fellowship Award applied directly to their University account
WHAT MENTORS NEED TO KNOW
MPH students need to meet a 9-credit (720 hour) requirement. MS students have a 3-credit (240 hour) requirement. Part-time hours (20 hours/week) can be completed during the fall/spring and/or summer semester. Full-time hours (40 hours/week) can be completed during the summer semester ONLY. Placements are either for 3-credits (part-time, 240 hours) or 6-credits (full-time, 480 hours, summer only) Placement location must be accessible for students (internship conducted either on-site, remotely or combination of both)
RFP submission deadlines
WHAT HOST SITES NEED TO KNOW
Need an intern? phlot can help!
The SPH Internships & Career Services Office seeks internship proposals each semester.
WHAT PHLOT PROVIDES
"As a relatively small local health department we have a tight budget; our department is not unique in its budget challenges for interns. Without PHLOT, we would not be able to attract these students . " ~Natalie Prehoda Schenectady County Public Health Services
Fall Semester: Early July Spring Semester: Early November Summer Semester: Early March
PHLOT SUPPORTS 25% OF THE PROJECTS IN THE SPH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM EACH YEAR
PHLOT-FUNDED INTERNSHIP PROJECTS
$40,000
amount of funding awarded to 11 students completing internship projects at a county health department or bureau/center at the department of health in new york state in summer 2021
PROJECT TITLE
PROJECT LOCATION
AWARD
Tick-borne Disease Surveillance in Albany County
Albany County Department of Health
6 credits $4,000
Enteric Disease Surveillance & Outbreak Investigation Applied Experience
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control
NY Links Participant Survey and Membership
New York State Department of Health
Breastfeeding Health Disparities Report
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Community Chronic Disease Prevention
Increasing Services for Women Who Use Drugs in New York State
New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute , Office of Drug User Health
Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on AI-Funded HIV Service Delivery
New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Center for Program Development, Implementation, Research & Evaluation
Just Say Yes to Fruits & Vegetables Digital Survey Evaluation
New York State Department of Health, Division of Nutrition, Evaluation, Research & Surveillance
3 credits $2,000
Evaluating the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) Efforts
New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Office of Program Evaluation & Research
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Quorum Sensing in Multi-Drug Resistant Clinical Isolates
New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, David Axelrod Institute
Age-Friendly Public Health
New York State Department of Health, Office of Public Health Practice
Public Health Agency Board (PHAB) Accreditation – Be a Part of NYSDOH Reaccreditation!
of phlot tuition awardess ARE enrolled in an online program
"The anxiety and financial stress has been alleviated so I can focus more on coursework and not how to pay for my education. Because of this funding, I have been able to continue to grow and develop in my career by pursuing the MPH path while giving me one more tool to help develop a better program in my health department."
deputy director wayne county
The anxiety and financial stress has been alleviated so I can focus more on coursework and not how to pay for my education. With PHLOT fundin I'm able to continue to grow and develop in my career by pursuing the MPH path while giving me one more tool to help develop a better program in my health department.
Public health director Montgomery county
97%
the faces of phlot: PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTORS
"PHLOT funding has been instrumental in helping me pursue my graduate degree by providing flexibility to those who are interested in advancing their careers. As a result, I was promoted from Senior Public Health Educator to Deputy Director. Professionals need advancement opportunities that are affordable."
How has PHLOT impacted you?
Kerry van auken
sara boerenko
the faces of phlot: public health professionals
of phlot students receive promotions each year due to pursuing a graduate degree
"Years ago I said to a colleague, "I want to be our Quality Coordinator someday." I finally found my niche, the place where I could make a difference in our department and community. So I slowly developed a plan to make my dreams a reality. Without PHLOT, I would not have even considered beginning this journey. Financially, it wouldn't have been possible. Because of PHLOT program funding, I was promoted to my "dream job" in May 2020."
"Because I didn't have to worry about the cost of my education, I was able to focus more on my academics. I achieved a 4.0 GPA upon completing the Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals & Principles program, and am now enrolled in the MPH program. PHLOT has helped me increase my knowledge and grow professionally and personally." "
public health specialist schenectady county
Diane long
Jennifer trudeau
devi dinghoor
quality coordinator clinton county
25%
supervising public health nurse schenectady county
diane long
"I have the chance to advance my career and knowledge of public health while continuing to work full time in the field. PHLOT funding creates a ladder for people who work in public health to advance their academic goals. It is integral to allowing people from diverse backgrounds to become leaders in public health. I tell many of my entry level employees about this opportunity, and I know without it they will not be able to pursue an MPH."
38%
claire proffitt
investigating public health sanitarian erie county
"It has allowed aspiring public health professionals to consider different options. In a sense, it "finds" the best in our local health departments who truly want to dedicate themselves to the field and brings them up into leadership roles. Without this program, only certain individuals with the time, money, and home-life would be able to pursue an advanced degree while working full time."
of the phlot operating budget is dedicated to tuition support for public health employees
Mosher is a public health sanitarian with tompkins county pursuing her mph in public health practice
rocking public health: cynthia mosher
Click here to read more about Mosher's accomplishments and the various other students who rocked Public Health in 2020.
Congratulations to Cynthia Mosher, who was selected and recognized by the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice as one of ten "Students Who Rocked Public Health 2020". Projects reflected the best of 2020, and Mosher was among students and other volunteers who put their talents to good use in advancing, inspiring and mitigating efforts during the pandemic to help keep people (and their pets) safe. Mosher, a St John Fisher College graduate and current MPH student at the UAlbany School of Public Health , redesigned the county rabies vaccination clinics to resemble anticipated COVID vaccination Point of Dispensing Sites (PODS) as a drive-through model in her role as Rabies Program Manager for Tompkins County Health Department in Ithaca, NY. This required scouting new locations and designing an entirely new clinic layout, flow, staffing, and safety protocols. Her accomplishments were featured on JPHMP Direct , the companion site of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, which highlights the latest research in public health management and practice, profiles public health professionals, provides expert commentaries on topical public health issues, and develop resources for authors and students. Mosher, who has been part of PHLOT since Fall 2019, realizes and values what the program has afforded her. "I don't think I would have pursued this Masters without PHLOT support. Many health departments do not provide tuition reimbursement and student loans can be burdensome. It has given me more organization and confidence with leadership skills that I already had, and I am pursuing higher level positions in and outside of my county; I wouldn't have done this without the PHLOT program.
phlot supports tuition for employees
Awards cover TUITION ONLY.
Phlot tuition awards are available each semester.
First-come, first-served based on priority order & available funds
www.albany.edu/sph/phlot
susan bernardi-bain, Program coordinator
Maximum award is 3 credits per student, per semester.
Must be: A full-time, salaried professional at a local health department or the Department of Health in NYS Enrolled in coursework in a UAlbany School of Public Health graduate program First pursuing tuition assistance or reimbursement through your employer/union, if available
PHLOT Tuition Award Request Form, indicating course enrollment Proof of approved/denied tuition assistance pursued or not available Verification of full-time, salaried employment status in a professional position
fall semester: August 1 spring semester: january 1 Summer semester: may 1
All documentation MUST be received by the deadline date to be considered.
application deadlines
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
For questions or more information
NANCY MCGRAW
TINA MCDOUGALL
KERRY VAN AUKEN
With significant involvement in response activities during the COVID-19 crisis, our public health professionals continue to serve as on our front lines in communities across New York State, using their SPH coursework to leverage their responsibilities.
I have organized vaccination clinics, testing events, conducted case investigations, and engaged in risk communication activities. Principles learned in coursework such as leadership and partnership have been key in helping during my COVID-19 response.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
CLAIRE PROFFITT
DAN GILMORE
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been involved in COVID-19 communication efforts to diverse audiences, and a vaccinator at NYS and local vaccination clinics. All my public health courses reinforced the need to consider the diversity of our populations and their different needs. Not everyone has the same level of health literacy; COVID-19 has cemented the need to approach communication in a variety of ways and at various levels."
"I oversee case investigation and contact tracing and supervised a large number of temporary staff and volunteers. My new knowledge of emergency preparedness and risk communication allowed me to more clearly communicate with the public about our county pandemic response."
"I have been the Incident Commander for the public health response to the pandemic in my county for the past 16 months. Having completed the MPH and knowledge gained through coursework builds credibility and trust with the public and colleagues when they depend on you for critical information impacting their health and safety."
"As Public Health Director, I lead the Oneida County response. My coursework has guided me to confirm communications and actions prior to implementation."
SHELLY WELLS
DIANE LONG
As a Fiscal Officer, I have been directly involved with responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health course provided me with relevant information regarding the behaviors of individuals as well as recognizing the different Public Health theories and how they can be used to develop health interventions.
"I was involved in inspections and enforcement of COVID protocols and executive orders, and responded to COVID complaints at businesses and other establishments. My coursework gave me a broader perspective on why such protocols were necessary and aided me in educated communication with the public."
Albany county Allegany county Broome county Chautauqua county Chemung county Clinton county Erie county Essex county Genesee county Hamilton county Montgomery county Niagara county NYC Rockland county Schenectady county Seneca county Tompkins county Washington county Wyoming county
New York State Department of Health employees
counties in New York State
different positions
the stars of our public health workforce
7
public health professionals are enrolled in a graduate program
36
27
19
each day, Public health professionals directly apply the knowledge they learn in their academic coursework to improve our communities in new york state
local health department employees across
Central Registry Cancer Specialist II Community Health Nurse Deputy Director Director of Clinical & Community Service Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator Epidemiologist Fiscal Officer Health Program Administrator Hospital Nurse Consultant Investigating Public Health Sanitarian NYS DOH District Director Program Specialist Public Health Advisor Public Health Assessment Assistant II Public Health Director Public Health Educator/Reality Check Coordinator Public Health Sanitarian Public Health Specialist Public Health Technician Quality Assurance & Improvement Coordinator Research Scientist RN/Principal Public Health Educator RN/Public Health Planner Senior Healthcare Program Specialist Senior Public Health Educator Senior Public Health Sanitarian Supervising Public Health Nurse
with help from phlot
sara boerenko (montgomery county) aubrey combs (niagara county) tina france(NYSdoh) cheryl glaus (wyoming county) zian jaffery (NYC) emily keene (onondaga county) Cynthia mosher (Tompkins county) kristin russell (broome county) David spring (allegany county) savanna terreberry (niagara county) james thomsen (essex county)
Between Fall 2019 and Fall 2021,
clara desanctis (nys doh) claire hermann (monroe county) frank kruppa (tompkins county) marisa mcnicolas (nys doh) susan medina (tioga county) rachel moseley (HRI) anna platz (lewis county) susan riedy (albany county) lauren schultz (nys doh) katherine taylor (erie county) kiersten westbrook (nys doh)
rachel bienvenue (NYSDOH) Rachel buckwalter (tompkins county) sofia d'agostino (rensselaer county) victor delregno (NYSDOH) justin facteau (essex county) christopher franza (albany county) Laura Kelly (broome county) michelle kleinman (rockland county) tina mcdougall (washington county) marisa mcNicholas (NYSdoh) lisa perfetti (cortland county) jignasha shah (warren county) JEnnifer Tonks (Schenectady county) shelly wells (Chautauqua county) samantha white (chemung county)
CONGRATS TO our RECENT graduates!
online mph program
marisa mcnicolas
"It felt great being able to go back and succeed after 10+ years of not being in school. Money is a huge barrier for many, so keep the PHLOT program going!"
certificate programs
the PHLOT program welcomed 25 new students from 17 counties and the NYS Department of Health and celebrated 11 graduating students
welcome New students!
One University Place Rensselaer, NY 12144 (518) 402-0361 sphadmissions@albany.edu albany.edu/sph
PHLOT News | V.7 Fall 2021 Writer: Susan Bernardi-Bain
"The PHLOT program is just another tool in our toolbox to become more educated. It motivates individuals in the field of Public Health. People are investing in my future and contributions to the State of New York.”
for more information
PHLOT PROGRAM
located on the health sciences campus george education center
SPH ADMISSIONS
Susan Bernardi-Bain, Coordinator One University Place Rensselaer, NY 12144 (518) 408-2341 phlot@albany.edu albany.edu/sph/phlot
