As the public health landscape evolves, so must the workforce. Continuous education and skill-building ensure that health professionals are equipped to tackle new threats, from pandemics to health impacts due to climate change, with innovative approaches and effective solutions. As the only school of public health in Orange County and the fourth school of public health in the entire UC system, the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health trains and supports its students through valuable, hands-on practicum experiences.
The practicum requirement is not just about training future public health practitioners on core competencies; it’s also about building stronger connections within the community. A robust public health workforce is better positioned to understand and meet the unique needs of the populations they serve, leading to more equitable and impactful health outcomes. One such practicum partner that aligns with Wen Public Health’s mission to promote the health of our communities is the OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA).
As a regional, interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, the HCA is charged with protecting and promoting individual, family, and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Workforce development is a shared cornerstone between the two institutions, so it is a natural union for many Wen Public Health students to not only choose the HCA for their practicum experience but to also pursue a career with the Agency upon graduation.
In a conversation with John Duckson, a recruiter for the HCA and connector for Wen Public Health students with various HCA departments, he shares his perspective with Wen Public Health on public health and career tips for students.
Question: How do you define and view public health?
Answer: Public health, to me, is about serving the community in the most impactful way. It’s rooted in the belief that the best way to serve the community is by engaging those who are part of it. We prioritize involving individuals who have an inherent understanding of the community’s needs, as they are uniquely positioned to address those needs effectively.
The HCA acts as an intermediary, bridging the gap between essential services and the people who need them most. One of the things I value deeply is the opportunity to tap into a network of passionate individuals who are dedicated to public health. I love speaking with Wen Public Health students because there’s a genuine devotion to community service and public health among them. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm for making a difference.
Question: What qualities should a student have when pursuing a career in public health?
Answer: Openness is key. Students should be willing to explore new avenues within public health, even if they have a particular focus or interest. For example, you might be drawn to epidemiology during your studies, but by interacting with different departments and professionals, you can discover how your skills could be applied in various other areas like disease prevention. Limiting yourself to a single perspective can hinder your potential, so it’s important to broaden your outlook.
Gaining the trust of the community can be challenging, especially when dealing with a large, sometimes massive agency like the HCA. Education plays a critical role in changing perceptions—providing clear facts and meeting people where they are can make a significant impact. Volunteering and internships (much like the practicum experience) within the HCA are invaluable opportunities for students to get involved in outreach efforts and to familiarize themselves with the HCA’s system. Being proactive, both within the Agency and in your personal development, is crucial.
Question: What tips would you offer students attending a career fair?
Answer: Persistence is vital. The HCA recruitment processes can sometimes be open for just a few days, so it’s important to keep an eye out and act quickly. There’s no harm in being persistent and continuing to apply. In fact, it’s encouraged.
Government agencies, including ours, are transparent about recruitment. If you look at a job posting, you’ll often find a contact person listed at the bottom, like me “John Duckson,” for example. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we can provide tips on interviewing, explain job descriptions, and offer advice on how to be successful in both the interview and the job itself. It’s in everyone’s best interest to get the right people into the right positions, so let us help you succeed.
Finally, keep participating in events like those hosted by Wen Public Health. We were inspired by Wen Public Health’s career fair and eventually hosted our first one over the summer. These fairs give students the chance to engage directly with professionals from various public health departments, learn about their day-to-day work, and understand the impact they have on the community.
Helpful links for pursuing a career with OCHCA:
- Explore the various divisions within Orange County Health Care Agency and the services they offer to the community at the following website: OC Health Care Agency | Orange County California – Health Care Agency (ochealthinfo.com)
- Research the various agencies within Orange County and the services they offer at the following website: Orange County | Orange County (ocgov.com)
- Visit the job opportunity website for Orange County to discover and apply for current job openings and fill out an electronic interest card for future job openings at the following web site: Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | County of Orange Careers (governmentjobs.com)
- If you have any questions about a current job opening, contact the assigned recruiter; their contact information will be listed at the bottom of the job posting.
