They are health department workers, nurses, doctors, administrators, researchers, educators, wellness directors, and laboratory technologists, to name a few.
Since the onset of the pandemic, these students have thrown themselves into the fight against the virus. And even more students leapt into action when the pandemic struck, as contact tracers, community engagement specialists, and volunteers in the vaccine effort.
The following is a small selection of the reflections they shared via a survey earlier this year.
Carly Luk
2021 graduate
MPH in Health Policy and Management
“I work in clinical research for breast cancer, and the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for cancer patients who still need care. Cancer doesn’t stop for anything, even a pandemic! My team has implemented new guidelines to keep our patients safe, such as using telemedicine if possible. We’ve been advocating on behalf of our patients to allow the trial sponsors to grant additional flexibility given the pandemic, and we are working on trials to expand access, such as administering injections at home. As public health officials have warned, we do not want anyone to delay seeking the medical care that they need. It’s been challenging to manage treating cancer patients during a time like this, but I’m proud of how adaptable my team has been.”
Alanna Cruz
Student
MS in Global and Migrant Health Policy
HIAS* Health Needs Assessment
“I developed and distributed a health needs survey to Spanish-speaking asylum seekers who were HIAS clients to assess medical and mental health needs as well as food security during the Covid-19 pandemic. I analyzed the results of these assessments and coordinated direct resources for these individuals, including rental assistance and utility payment support, information related to local food banks and services, and access to free/low-cost medical and mental health services.”
*HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
Nadine Ulysse
2021 Graduate
MPH in Health Policy and Management
Child Life Specialist, New York Presbyterian Hospital
“I would assist families who had loved ones admitted to the hospital, providing them with information and supporting them after they learned of their loved one’s death. Covid-19 was such a surreal experience. Here we are as compassionate professionals who dedicate our time to help people and now we are unable to provide the quality of care we would like and we had to play the role of family for all those admitted due to the restrictions. It was devastating to know that so many families had to say goodbye over the phone.”
Melissa Carreno
Student
MPH in Health Policy and Management
Urban Health Plan – Administrator
“I have done various admin work to make sure that Homeland Security keeps my staff and me with enough PPE supplies, especially while checking in and testing people from the community. I also make sure that the testers have enough test kits and report every morning to the state and homeland security on how much PPE we used, how many people were tested, how many are scheduled to be tested for the day and if there any critical needs that may prevent us from testing the community. We used to operate as a community health center and due to Covid we are now only doing testing for the people in the community.”
Dari Goldman
MPH 2021 graduate
MPH in Community Health Education
Research project: Coronavirus and Pregnancy, with Associate Professor Diana Romero
“In order to reduce the effect of trauma and changes in access to healthcare from Covid-19 on pregnant women in New York, we must better understand the early impact of the pandemic and the related needs of this population. This evidence can then inform interventions on how to best serve this population in response to this unprecedented public health crisis.”
Kira Argenio
2021 graduate
MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Research project: Together 5000 sub-study of LGBTQ experiences during the pandemic, with Professor Christian Grov
“Potential consequences of the pandemic for trans populations include reduced access to gender affirming care, isolation from protective communities and resources, and sheltering in place in an environment that is not accepting of their gender or sexual identity. For example, one study found that Covid-19 impeded access to hormone replacement therapy, post-operative care and mental health among trans and non-binary participants.”
Michelle Rodriguez
Student
MS in Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences
NYC Health and Hospitals Public Health Advisor, Community Engagement Specialist
“I worked as part of NYC Health + Hospitals’ Covid-19 initiative, conducting calls and home visits to those who tested positive and close contacts of theirs, to assess their needs and help mitigate the spread of the virus. I was involved in community outreach to schools in preparation for in-person learning. I was also involved in efforts to distribute PPE (e.g. masks, hand sanitizer) to people of the NYC community while also collecting data on how many people used masks properly, improperly, or not at all to help understand the efforts of New Yorkers. This experience allowed me to better understand the impact of Covid-19, especially in underserved, minority communities. While conducting fieldwork, it was clear that there was a sense of uncertainty and mistrust. This was also during the Black Lives Matter protests which only added to the mistrust. Coming from a minority background myself, I tried to showcase that I understood the systemic oppression they faced and understood their hesitation. Often times, people did not have anyone to go to or speak to, and I allowed myself to be an outlet for these people to express all of the built-up emotions. There were times where individuals did not have anyone to dial 911 for them or they were too afraid to seek medical attention, afraid they would be turned away by the healthcare system. Whenever necessary, I stepped in to provide the appropriate/relevant resources while ensuring them that I was there for them because I just wanted to see them get past this. Sometimes individuals I worked with would randomly call me just to say thank you. This experience was very rewarding and I appreciate all of the acceptance I received from my community.”
Jennifer Carmona
Student
DPH in Health Policy and Management
Point of distribution site staff for the NYC Health Department
“Most of my work on Covid at the Health Department pertains to testing (I lead the testing task force in the Health Department’s incident command structure).”
Shari Jardine
Student
PhD in Community Health and Health Policy
Hospital Administration at a field hospital in Staten Island
“While it has been extremely arduous and exhausting, I am grateful to have acquired a new set of skills that I have the opportunity to immediately apply.”
Joseph Tannuzzo
Student
MPH in Health Policy and Management
“As an ER Nurse, I am responsible for treating patients entering the emergency department and have seen countless cases of Covid-19. The patients mostly present with mild symptoms of the virus. Many people come in scared and confused about the virus. The elderly and those with serious comorbidities such as diabetes and COPD have been the majority of serious cases. These patients have often needed resuscitation and admission to intensive care units. I have had two coworkers die from this virus. The virus has shown that hospitals and the health care system were not prepared for this pandemic. About a dozen hospitals in New York City have closed since I began my career 17 years ago. Most emergency rooms are overwhelmed and understaffed. We need to invest more in public health and better manage our health care systems.”
Daryle Campbell-Blackstock
Student
PhD in Environmental and Planetary Health Sciences
“As a Physician Assistant and Director of Clinical Transplant Operations, I work with a phenomenal team of clinicians, administrators to care for our extremely vulnerable/immunosuppressed patient population. Our team has also been redeployed to many non-transplant areas utilizing our skillset in treating complex patients. It’s so easy to get lost in our passion for caring for those in need as healthcare workers. Most of us joined this field because of this innate caregiving quality to help those in need. It is easy to lose track of our own health. It is essential to maintain our mental and physical health, and it has never been more critical as we battle this Covid-19 pandemic.”
Sharon Joseph
2021 Graduate
DPH in Epidemiology
Open Door Family Medical Center, Associate Medical Director, Port Chester site and Director of Pediatrics
“I am a pediatrician engaged in testing patients and counseling them regarding their results. We are serving a large immigrant population that is mostly uninsured. We see everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Our services are an important resource in maintaining the health of the Port Chester community.”
