informational interview

1. Arelis Moore de Peralta, Med, MPH, MD, Ph.D.
Researchassistantprofessorwiththe Institute onFamily and Neighborhood Life at Clemson University
November 3, 2015
 How didyoubecome interestedinpublichealth?
I alwayshada desire tohelppeople.IdevelopedastronginterestinpublichealthwhenI
realizedthe environmentplayedamajorrole inthe healthand well-beingof individuals.Asa
physician,IfeltIwasonlymakinga difference onanindividual basis;whereasIfeltIcouldmake
a largerimpact throughpopulation-basedhealth.
 What jobsand experienceshave ledyoutoyourpresentposition?
I have previouslyworkedasamedical physicianinthe DominicanRepublic,anepidemiologist
for the CDC, a national consultant,andthe directorof the CenterforCommunityServices
locatedinSimpsonville,Sc.
 What personal qualitiesorabilitiesare mostimportanttobeingsuccessful?
The individual mustpossessastronglove andgenuine care forthe realmof publichealth.
 What areas of knowledge ordegreesare mostimportantforadvancementinthisfield?
Obtainingyourdoctorate hasthe greatestweightinthisfield.
 What experiences,paidorunpaid,wouldyouencourage foranybodypursuingacareerin this
field?
I wouldrecommendsecuringaleadershiproleinanonprofitorganization. Thiswouldallowyou
to strengthendecision-makingskillsthatare vital to publichealth.
 If you were startingoutagain,wouldyoudo anythingdifferently?
No. I am veryhappywithmy careerand feel thatmedical school helpedstrengthenmyabilities
as a publichealthcare provider.
 Please tell me more aboutyourorganizationanditspurposes.
The institute onFamilyandNeighborhoodLife conductsempirical research,performspolicy
analyses,developsandevaluatesprograms,andprovidestechnical assistance andcommunity
educationinorderto supportstrongfamiliesandcommunitiesthatare necessaryforhealthy
development.
 What do youdo on a typical dayin thisposition?
As a facultymember,Iteachbothgraduate and undergraduate students,conductresearch
analysis,andserve onseveral advisorycommittees.

2.  What part of thisjobdo youfindthe mostchallengingorsatisfying?
I thinkpreparingreportsforresearchanalysisisthe mostchallengingpartof thisjob.The most
satisfyingpartof thisjobis seeingimprovementandprogress.
 What are the “hot issues”inthisfield?
Communitysustainabilityisanimportantissue inthisfield.
 What are youralternative careerpaths?
Publicpolicyandgovernment,communicationsandjournalism,informatics,consulting
 What areas doyou feel promise the mostopportunity?The mostgrowth?
I feel community-basedparticipatoryresearchpromisesthe mostopportunityandgrowth.Itis
a movementtowardsaholisticapproach andinvolvesthe expertise of manydisciplinaries.
 What are the biggestchallengesfacingthisfield?
The biggestchallenge facingthisfieldisaddressinghealthdisparities.
 What, if anything,doyouwishyouhad knownbefore youenteredthisoccupation?
I wishI wouldhave knownaboutthe conceptof publichealthfromthe beginning,ratherthan
findingoutaboutitovertime.
 Can yousuggestanyone else whomIcouldcontactfor additional information?
PaolaGutierrez,PASOs’Directorof ProgramsandTraining