James Goodin, University of Georgia
This content was created by an EHS intern to describe intern experiences. It has not been revised or edited to conform to agency standards. The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SUPEH Intern, Summer 2015
My 10 weeks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health has contributed to my academic and professional career more than any of my other past internships. My course work at the University of Georgia in Environmental Health Science has given me the knowledge of the science behind many global and local environmental issues. However, I was not very familiar with the public health aspect behind my course work. At the CDC I have learned how environmental science is applied in the public health field. Facts and science are important, but communicating and applying the facts can be challenging. Through trainings in Public Health Communication and Risk Communication, I learned how to effectively communicate issues to the public without instilling fear and creating further issues. Other trainings that I participated in during my internship were Environmental Epidemiology, Food Safety, and Public Health Law. The trainings may have been basic, but I gained skills I could use in real-life situations such as outbreak investigations and food facility inspections.
One of the most engaging and interesting parts of my internship were the inspections. I was privileged to shadow inspections with a local health department and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). I traveled to Miami, Florida and observed a United States Public Health Service Officer in her inspection of a large cruise ship. The officer and I were charged with inspecting the bars, galleys, dining rooms, kitchens, and all other food services and storage. It was beneficial to see how the inspections are conducted and what specifically to look for in different areas. At a local health department I shadowed an inspector for two days doing restaurant and pool inspections. The inspector took another intern and me to a restaurant that had previously failed their inspection. I found it beneficial to visit a restaurant that had many violations to see what a failing score looks like rather than a passing score. Shadowing a local health department exposed me to challenges that the federal government might not have to face. For example, the first restaurant we inspected was owned by a family who spoke little English. On the second day I spent with the local health department we inspected many neighborhood pools. Some of the pools were simple, and others complex. I was surprised at how many safety measures pools must have to pass health inspections.
The most valuable experience I gained from this internship was the professional growth. Four other interns and I had to develop and conduct a 4.5 hour training for 20 other interns. Being able to collaborate with the interns and effectively deliver the training was an extremely satisfying experience. I had to present many times during the 10 weeks and often it was in front of CDC employees and professionals. By presenting in front of people with years of experience, I have gained a new level of confidence that I believe I could have not developed elsewhere.
I want to thank the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and all my mentors and supervisors at the CDC for this unforgettable opportunity.