Introduction
Public health, advocacy, and leadership have never been more crucial. From navigating global health crises to shaping policies affecting millions, professionals in this space are at the forefront of change. But how does one carve out a meaningful career in public health? What is it like to transition into leadership? How can expertise be leveraged to influence policy and drive real impact? These were the central questions explored in a recent panel discussion featuring accomplished leaders in public health.
Meet the Panelists
The discussion featured three distinguished professionals:
- Dr. Oscar Alleyne, an independent consultant at Epidoc Associates and former Managing Director of the Public Health Division at Mitre Health, with extensive leadership experience in epidemiology, policy, and public health strategy. He currently serves on the Defense Health Board, advising the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
- Dr. Rachel Mitrovich, Director at Global Vaccines, Policy Strategy, and Partnerships at Merck, leading pediatric and hepatitis vaccine policy strategies globally. She has worked with governments, multilateral organizations, and academia to drive vaccine access.
- Dr. Brandon Wilson, Co-Interim President and CEO of Community Catalyst, a national leader in health equity advocacy with previous roles at CMS and NIH. His research focuses on decolonizing global health and advancing patient-centered community care models.
Defining Moments in Public Health Careers
Dr. Mitrovich traced her passion for vaccines to her graduate practicum at the Pan American Health Organization during the H1N1 pandemic. She initially envisioned a career in neglected tropical diseases but pivoted into vaccine policy, realizing the outsized impact immunization has on global health. Her career path underscores the importance of being flexible and responsive to global needs.
Dr. Wilson’s journey was shaped by his early work at CMS’s Office of Minority Health, where he advocated for embedding health equity into policy. His advocacy was often met with resistance—people would literally walk out of the room when he mentioned health equity. Yet, he persisted, and the field has now embraced these principles. His story demonstrates the power of unwavering commitment to a cause, even in the face of resistance. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that one’s work is rooted in lived experiences and community voices, rather than being dictated by abstract theories or top-down policies.
Key Skills for Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Alleyne emphasized three critical skills public health professionals should develop early in their careers:
- Negotiation: Understanding how to navigate policy discussions and advocate effectively, particularly in situations where public health professionals are not the primary decision-makers.
- Project Management: Moving beyond technical expertise to manage teams, interventions, and resources effectively.
- Strategic Communication: Recognizing that public health decisions are often made by individuals outside the field and learning how to communicate effectively with them.
Dr. Mitrovich added that financial acumen is an often-overlooked skill in public health. Understanding budgets, funding streams, and cost-effectiveness can significantly enhance a professional’s ability to lead impactful initiatives. She emphasized the importance of being able to translate research findings into practical applications that resonate with policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders.
Networking and Career Visibility
Panelists emphasized the importance of building relationships:
- Leverage Your Student Status: Dr. Mitrovich advised doctoral students to take advantage of their position, as professionals are often willing to engage with students.
- Join Professional Associations: Dr. Alleyne highlighted the American Public Health Association and other networks as valuable platforms for mentorship and professional development.
- Stakeholder Mapping: Dr. Wilson recommended engaging not just allies but also those with opposing viewpoints to broaden one’s influence in public health. He underscored the importance of coalition-building across sectors, including partnerships with policymakers, industry, and community organizations. He also stressed that networking isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about finding like-minded people who share your values and vision for public health.
Navigating Public Health Careers Post-Doctorate
For those transitioning into leadership roles, Dr. Mitrovich emphasized the ability to translate research into actionable insights for decision-makers. She stressed the need for strategic thinking, recognizing upstream determinants of health, and understanding financial acumen alongside technical expertise.
Dr. Wilson noted that professionals often mistakenly believe they need to find a single job that aligns with all their passions and skills. Instead, he recommended taking a broader approach—different roles may serve different purposes throughout a career. He encouraged professionals to consider how they can integrate various skills across their career lifespan rather than expecting a perfect fit from the outset.
Advice for Early-Career Professionals
- Plan with a 2-5-10 Framework: Dr. Alleyne recommended setting short-, medium-, and long-term goals while remaining flexible. This plan should include a mix of technical, strategic, and leadership milestones.
- Challenge Conventional Wisdom: Dr. Wilson encouraged professionals to look beyond established norms and advocate for innovation. He specifically called for re-examining research methodologies to ensure they are inclusive and equitable.
- Stay Resilient: Given the current challenges in public health, Dr. Mitrovich reminded attendees to focus on impact rather than immediate obstacles. She encouraged them to remain engaged despite political and funding challenges. She also emphasized the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout, noting that sustained impact requires personal well-being.
Opportunities for International Scholars
For those outside the U.S., panelists advised understanding local governance structures, engaging in advocacy beyond traditional lobbying, and leveraging international networks. Public health leadership is not confined to government roles; organizations such as multilateral agencies, patient advocacy groups, and private sector companies offer diverse career paths.
Dr. Alleyne highlighted the importance of learning how different countries structure their public health systems. Ministries of Health, social service agencies, and even non-traditional actors (e.g., finance ministries) play a role in shaping health policy. Understanding these dynamics can provide international scholars with a competitive edge. He also recommended that international scholars seek mentorship from individuals who have successfully navigated similar transitions.
Final Thoughts
The panel concluded with a powerful reminder: Public health is a team sport. Success requires interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr. Wilson encouraged attendees to watch the film Something the Lord Made about Dr. Vivien Thomas, a pioneering Black scientist at Johns Hopkins, as a source of inspiration. He emphasized that professionals should trust that they have the tools within them—or within their reach—to create impact.
Dr. Alleyne closed with a call to embrace the four pillars of preparedness: response, recovery, resilience, and adaptation. Public health professionals must be ready to respond to crises, recover strategically, build resilience in systems and communities, and adapt to ever-changing challenges.
The session provided invaluable guidance for doctoral students and early-career professionals looking to shape the future of public health through leadership and advocacy. The key takeaway? Stay engaged, seek impact, and never stop learning.