Epidemiology APEx Spotlights

How did you find your APEx?
I found my position on LinkedIn.

Tell us about your APEx.
At Teva Pharmaceuticals, I interned in the Global Health Economics, Value, and Outcomes (GHEVO) department, which focuses on evaluating the cost, value, and overall impact of pharmaceutical assets within the medical treatment landscape. I contributed to several high-impact projects, including the development of an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy dossier—a structured document used to present evidence supporting new technologies for reimbursement and formulary placement in the U.S. healthcare system. My APEx involved conducting a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, I supported the creation of three global value propositions and contributed to a clinical outcomes assessment strategy for the patient-centered outcomes, policy, and evidence team.

What motivated you to apply for this APEx?
My interest in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) was sparked by a decision analysis course I took in the spring semester of my first year. During my APEX search, I specifically sought out positions in this field to gain practical experience and deepen my understanding.

How did your APEx shape your view of public health?
This experience underscored the critical role HEOR plays in informing evidence-based healthcare decisions. It broadened my perspective on how data is leveraged to demonstrate treatment value and drive strategic outcomes.

How did this experience contribute to your career development?
I acquired hands-on experience with HEOR methodologies and gained exposure to the pharmaceutical industry, solidifying my interest in market access and value-based healthcare. Through mentorship and collaboration within the GHEVO team, I gained a clearer understanding of what a long-term career in HEOR entails and the variety of roles it encompasses. The skills I developed have positioned me well for a future career in the private sector.

What was something unexpected you learned?
I was struck by how interdisciplinary the HEOR field is. Projects often blend economics, statistics, epidemiology, and health policy, and require collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds and departments.

How did you find your APEx?
I discovered this opportunity through an APEx information session hosted by the Epidemiology Department.

Tell us about your APEx.
As a CEESP Fellow, I designed and led a study on the acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among underserved populations in the Bronx, NYC. I developed study tools, analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data, and presented findings at conferences. Our manuscript was published in the Journal of Cancer Education and won first place at the International Cancer Education Conference.

What motivated you to apply for this APEx?
I was drawn to CEESP for the opportunity to develop an independent research project combining my interests in cancer epidemiology and sexual and reproductive health.

How did your APEx shape your view of public health?
It highlighted the power of qualitative data in enriching quantitative findings. Hearing directly from patients about their experiences with cancer screening added depth to the project and provided meaningful insights into improving accessibility for underserved populations.

How did this experience contribute to your career development?
My APEx helped me discover a new interest in the intersection between cancer epidemiology and sexual health, which I plan to explore further in my career. It also sparked an interest in program development and research leadership as I supervised three medical students and one intern. Leading a team and managing timelines helped me develop project management skills I plan to continue using professionally.

What was something unexpected you learned?
I encountered significant challenges with participant recruitment, which taught me the importance of strategic outreach and adaptive problem-solving in public health research.

Where did you find your APEx?
This opportunity was posted on the APEx list that the Epidemiology department shares every week during APEx season.

Tell us about your APEx experience.
I worked with both the Office of Housing Services (OHS) and the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) in the Bureau of Mental Hygiene at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. My primary project involved assessing the aging population in NYC supportive housing, particularly those with serious mental illness or substance use disorders. Using SAS, I analyzed demographic and health-related variables and developed data visualizations to communicate key findings.

What motivated you to apply for this APEx?
I was interested in understanding how government agencies use data to inform public health policy and program development, particularly for vulnerable populations.

How did your APEx shape your view of public health?
It showed me how impactful real-world data can be in shaping effective public health programs. Visiting a supportive housing unit also helped contextualize my data work with the lived experiences of those affected.

How did this experience contribute to your career development?
I strengthened my SAS and data visualization skills while learning how to present findings clearly and persuasively to public health stakeholders. The experience also enhanced my confidence in public speaking and professional communication. It confirmed my interest in roles that combine data analysis with public health policy development. I now feel more prepared to contribute meaningfully to large-scale public health efforts.

What was something unexpected you learned?
I was amazed by how collaborative public health work truly is. Even with strong data analysis, interpreting results and creating solutions require teamwork across departments and disciplines.

Where did you find your APEx?

I found my APEx through the list of opportunities that the Epidemiology department shares.

Tell us a little about your APEx experience.

I completed my APEx with ICAP in Yaoundé, Cameroon, working on the Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) survey. My responsibilities included reviewing the survey protocol, drafting a data sharing and governance policy, and contributing to fieldworker training and survey tool refinement. I also participated in weekly health screening camps, offering dental screenings based on my clinical background, and joined field visits to observe data collection and lab processes firsthand. 

What motivated you to apply for this APEx?
With prior clinical experience in India and an interest in global public health, I was eager to gain hands-on field experience in a low-resource setting. ICAP’s focus on large-scale data collection and global health systems made it an ideal fit. 

How did your APEx shape your view of public health?
This experience highlighted how critical data quality and cultural context are in shaping meaningful public health research and interventions, especially in resource-limited environments. 

How did this experience contribute to your career development?
I developed valuable skills in program evaluation, cross-cultural communication, and data governance. It also reaffirmed my desire to work at the systems level in global health, contributing to data-driven policy and international collaboration while integrating my clinical and research experience. 

What was something unexpected you learned?
I didn’t expect to draw so much from my clinical background, nor anticipate how crucial adaptability and cultural sensitivity would be in global fieldwork. These lessons will stay with me throughout my career.