Bulletin News Archive

Keeley Allen - field epidemiologist

MAE Scholar, ACT Health Communicable Disease Control Branch

 Keely1

Tell AEA a little bit about yourself and what made you choose to be an epidemiologist, with a particular focus on your field epidemiology work.

I am a current Master of Applied Epidemiology scholar at ACT Health's Communicable Disease Control Branch. But I have not always been interested in epidemiology and public health. I originally trained as an urban planner and economist and was introduced to the work of John Snow through my interests in spatial sciences and land use planning. I found the outbreak investigation work fascinating and wanted to know more about field epidemiology. When I realised I could combine this interest with my love of data analytics (yes, I am a massive nerd), I was sold.

What essential tools or techniques have you used/still use in field epidemiology? 

The key skill I am using daily in field epidemiology is communication. It can be overlooked compared to the complex study design and data analyses we perform, but these studies will only be as strong as the information we can collect. Being able to interview cases for a wide range of conditions, listen and respond to their concerns, and persuade senior decision makers to change our public health response is a core skill of field epidemiologists that I would love to celebrate more.

What is one of the most rewarding experiences you have had as a field epidemiologist?

There are few experiences that match the rush of identifying the source of someone's infection and knowing what we can do to prevent further cases. I have had this rush a few times with foodborne illness investigations, where I have been able to piece together information from several case interviews to pinpoint a source, and we can work with the food business or provider to change practices.

Keeley2

What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught us? 

For me, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how important trust is in field epidemiology. Our field relies on people feeling safe and comfortable enough to share information about their illness and their lives to help us solve problems and take public health action. Trust in public health can be fragile, and it is difficult to rebuild once it is eroded. It is crucial that we as field epidemiologists listen to, learn from, and trust our communities in order to better serve them.

If you could invite any Epidemiologists [alive/historical] to coffee, who would you invite & why? 

Our Surveillance Coordinator at ACT Health's Communicable Disease Control Branch, Alexandra Marmor, is a legend. The knowledge, ease and calm with which Alex is able to manage the surveillance of all non-COVID diseases is awe-inspiring. I am also extremely lucky to have Alex as a supervisor, so I get to make these coffee catchups a reality.

What is your favourite band, and tell us why?

I am a massive Alex Lahey fan. Her music brings me joy and is where I turn when I need a reminder not to be so hard on myself.

 Aruna Phabmixay - Spotlight on AEA members involved in Field Epidemiology

 Aruna Phabmixay

MAE Scholar, Office of Health Protection & Response, Commonwealth Dept Health

 Aruna1Aruna2

Tell AEA a little bit about yourself and what made you choose to be an epidemiologist, with a particular focus on your field epidemiology work

I have worked at the Commonwealth Department of Health for almost ten years, and epidemiology was always an important tool in my work as a policy officer. I became more interested in the field the closer I got to it, starting from blood-borne viruses and ending in pandemic influenza before I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Master of Applied Epidemiology program in 2021. My day-to-day field epidemiology work has allowed me to experience another side of the pandemic response that has challenged my brain and nerves and facilitated my growth as an epidemiologist and as a person. 

Are there any unique challenges you have faced as a field epidemiologist?

I did not imagine I would be obtaining the vast majority of my 'field' epidemiology training from the comfort of my own home! I am grateful for the opportunity to train as a field epidemiologist at such an important time in history and even more grateful that we have the capability to do so. But I am looking forward to more days in the field!

What is one of the most rewarding experiences you have had as a field epidemiologist?

My entire experience at ACT Health assisting with the COVID-19 pandemic response was magical. Working with so many experienced, passionate and talented people and experiencing the essence of field epidemiology in case investigations, contact tracing and outbreak investigations for the first time was magical and so rewarding.

What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught us? 

One of the key lessons that COVID-19 has taught us is the need for us all in pandemic response sectors to continually re-evaluate our practice and not be afraid of innovation. COVID-19 is unlike any disease that humanity has faced. Using existing frameworks for the pandemic response to this disease as it continues to circulate may not be effective in the long run. (Easier said than done, though!) 

If you could invite any Epidemiologists [alive/historical] to coffee, who would you invite & why? 

Prof Aileen Plant is my hero. I would want to hear from her directly about all of the amazing things she experienced in her short life, especially on her work during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Vietnam. If I become even a fraction of the field epidemiologist she was, I will be happy!

What is your favourite book, and tell us why?

My favourite book is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I could not stop thinking about this book weeks after reading it. It was just so beautiful and original. Please read it if you come across it!

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