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HPU PUBLIC HEALTH FACULTY MEMBER ENHANCES EXPERTISE THROUGH ENGAGING CONFERENCES AND UNIQUE TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Special to The 'Ohana

December 19, 2023
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Amy Woron (third from right) with laboratorians and CDC representatives while touring the American Samoa Public Health Laboratory

Amy Woron (third from right) with laboratorians and CDC representatives while touring the American Samoa Public Health Laboratory.

In the engaging realm of public health education, HPU’s Master of Public Health program boasts outstanding faculty members like Amy Woron, Ph.D., MPH, MS, an esteemed and highly popular adjunct professor specializing in epidemiology. Recently, Woron brought her wealth of knowledge to the forefront by participating in a noteworthy conference in American Samoa.

A core participant of this conference was the Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc., which holds the CDC contract for Tuberculosis (TB) testing in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands. This annual gathering provided a platform for laboratorians and CDC representatives to discuss TB surveillance, testing and treatment as well as explore the American Samoa Public Health Laboratory and clinics. Woron, with her deep expertise, not only teaches epidemiology coursework at HPU but also played a pivotal role during the conference.

The conference drew a diverse audience, including clinicians, program managers, and laboratorians from CDC, Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, Chuuk, CNMI, Ebeye, Guam, Kosrae, Majuro, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap. Woron’s impact extended beyond the lecture halls as she delivered two compelling talks to the laboratory breakout group—one focusing on biosafety and the other on succession planning.

“Epidemiology is a sought-after course and one of the reasons why many students choose HPU for the Public Health program. Having Amy’s expertise is invaluable," emphasized Public Health Chair and Professor Jayne Smitten, Ph.D., MEd CHSE-A  FSSH, acknowledging the significance of Woron’s contributions.

Woron’s commitment to knowledge dissemination is not limited to conferences. Recently, she returned from a groundbreaking teaching experience, team-teaching a 3-day class on instructor development for the San Manuel Indian Nation Department of Public Safety. This marked the first time this particular course was tailored for a Tribe.

Notably, Steve Golubic and Robert Holden, both Tribal Liaisons with extensive backgrounds in tribal affairs and public safety, attended the class, enriching the learning experience. 

Woron's journey of continuous learning and teaching not only elevates HPU's Master of Public Health program but also resonates with a broader commitment to fostering expertise and collaboration in the dynamic field of public health.

To learn more about the Public Health programs at HPU, click here.

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