College of Public Health

Public health conference leads UNTHSC graduate to international calling

January 31, 2017 • Uncategorized

UNTHSC College of Public Health graduate Etienne Jaime (MPH ’16) found a path to helping underserved Nicaraguan communities through last year’s American Public Health Association (APHA) conference.

By networking with presenters and taking advantage of section meetings and events, he connected with staff from AMOS Health and Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of communities suffering from poverty, disease and preventable deaths. The organization works alongside communities in health, education and development.

Jaime interned last summer and was hired for a full-time position after graduation.

As Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, he is involved in community-based participatory research and data analysis to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of AMOS programs.

He is currently assisting with outreach efforts addressing clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, child malnutrition and Zika virus prevention.

“The most interesting part of my work is connecting with community members and community health workers and being able to see changes happening in Nicaraguan communities,” Jaime said.  “The organization’s culture and values fit with mine, and the AMOS team has such an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Jaime said his UNTHSC training has been important in preparing him for this role in international public health.

“Because the College of Public Health supports students in attending conferences like APHA, I was able to find AMOS and this unique experience. I encourage other students to be involved in associations and networking, because it really helps in connecting with causes and programs and building career options,” he said.

At UNTHSC, Jaime combined studies, receiving both the MPH in Behavioral and Community Health and a Graduate Certificate in Global Health.