Emma Prasher

As a PHAP associate, I have had many stimulating public health experiences, but I’ve most enjoyed my work in infectious diseases. While working at the Philadelphia Quarantine Station, I screened incoming air travelers for infectious diseases and helped develop a mass medication dispensing plan for the Philadelphia International Airport’s 20,000 employees. Then, in my second year of PHAP, I transitioned to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, where I investigated more than 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations and other disease outbreaks.

My most exciting experience during PHAP was being deployed to Guinea as part of CDC’s Ebola response. While in Guinea, I was part of the Infection Prevention and Control team working to set up triage systems at healthcare facilities, including the one pictured above where I’m having my temperature taken at a hospital in Conakry. I really enjoyed practicing on-the-ground public health and working with an energetic team of international public health partners. Being in Guinea was an eye-opening experience that solidified my desire to focus on global health in the future.