PROFESSIONAL GOALS

The first goal I would like to achieve is the goal of learning how to conduct an investigation. I will have to obtain information from multiple sources in order to be able to successfully succeed at this. This goal can be achieved by learning all the steps of conducting an investigation. This information may be provided by computer training or by one of the epidemiologists. I will need to spend time with many of the epidemiologists in the organization and watch them conduct investigations. The first person who should teach me is Anna, my preceptor. After she does, I can learn from others to understand even further how to conduct one and use the proper tools that are required with it. I will at some point have to conduct an investigation to be able to remember and apply the skills learned.

The next professional goal I would like to achieve is learning how to utilize and use the surveillance systems that the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health uses. These surveillance systems consist of VEDSS, VOSS, and ESSENSE. This goal could be achieved by doing training modules on each system. After training modules, practice on the training programs will help reinforce what was taught. Then watching the epidemiologists at my organization in real-life instances will help with the application. Finally, conducting my own searches and uses of surveillance systems will instill learning the systems.

The third goal I would like to achieve is to learn all of the reportable diseases listed for Virginia and what each means. This will be the hardest to do in the short period of my internship but I will be able to learn the ones they report on the most. I can achieve this goal by obtaining a copy of the reportable disease list. Then I can read over the list often. In addition to looking over the list myself, I can learn many of the regularly reported ones by listening and watching which are reported in the health department each day I intern. I also need to be aware that the reportable disease list is updated quarterly and I should check back for updates.