On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley speaks with Dr. C. Perry Brown. He shares his journey into public health, detailing his experiences from his early interest sparked during the Vietnam War to his current role as a professor at Florida A&M University. He also discusses the importance of teaching, the challenges and rewards of working in public health, particularly in infectious disease and health disparities, and emphasizes the significance of relationships and community engagement in the field. Dr. Brown offers valuable advice for aspiring public health professionals, encouraging them to plan their careers while remaining adaptable to life's challenges.
Meet Dr. C. Perry Brown
C. Perry Brown is Professor of Public Health Epidemiology at Florida A&M University (FAMU). He also is Honorary Professor in the School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
He teaches courses in infectious disease epidemiology, cardiovascular disease epidemiology, maternal and child health epidemiology, cancer epidemiology, GIS, Biostatistics, and data management and analysis.
His research interests are in the areas of Infectious diseases (including Influenza, HIV/AIDS, Covid-19) as well as health disparities, cardiovascular epidemiology and prevention, cancer epidemiology, and birth defects. Dr. Brown also directs the GIS, Data, and Spatial Analysis Laboratory in the Institute of Public Health.
Dr. Brown’s experience in Public Health and Epidemiology has included work in infectious diseases internationally (including smallpox in Bangladesh, HIV/AIDS in (Congo), Brazil and Thailand, as well as HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles, Covid-19 Response-Florida and chronic diseases (such as Cancer and cardiovascular disease), and Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Dr. Brown's journey into public health began during his service in Vietnam.
He discovered his passion for epidemiology through a microbiology course.
Teaching is a rewarding experience, especially witnessing students' 'aha' moments.
Public health careers often involve unexpected paths and opportunities.
Infectious disease is a growing concern, especially in light of COVID-19.
Building relationships is crucial for effective public health practice.
Community-based participatory research empowers communities to ask the right questions.
Planning one's career is important, but flexibility is key.
Entry-level positions can lead to numerous opportunities for advancement.
Academic experiences can be full of challenges, but persistence pays off.
"The paths in most of our careers are full of hints and whispers that sometimes, if we are paying attention, result in a positive outcome." - Dr. C. Perry Brown
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Public Health Consulting To Support You
DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.
Dear Dr. Huntley, thank you so much! I really enjoyed this episode and your interview with Dr. Brown. The insights you both shared are incredibly valuable to me as a small part of the public health and epidemiology community. I’ve learned so much and truly appreciate your guidance!