When most people think of healthcare professionals, they picture people wearing white coats and scrubs, caring for patients in busy health centers and hospitals. For years, that description fit Reyna Salcedo. Learn why she traded in her scrubs and stethoscope to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Public Health at JWU Online, and how the program has prepared her for success in her new career.
Discovering Her True Calling in Health Care
Salcedo knew in high school that she wanted a career in medicine. She planned to become a nurse and work towards leadership roles. Life and family responsibilities made nursing school impractical, so she earned an associate degree and began working as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Looking to further her education, Salcedo completed two full years in a physician assistant degree program. “At the end of two years, I took a break from the PA program. Concerned, my advisor asked me, ‘You have so many credits. We’re not asking you to leave, so why are leaving the program?’”
Salcedo shared with her advisor how working in a community health center in the projects outside of Boston had opened her eyes. “Caring for patients from diverse backgrounds for years, I saw disparities in how different populations receive care. Many of the health issues I encountered weren’t just clinical — they were deeply rooted in systemic, social, and community-level factors. I believe that all patients, regardless of background, should receive optimal care. My heart is in finding a way to work in which I have the power to change the healthcare system.”
Salcedo’s advisor listened and responded, ‘Reyna, public health is what you want to do.’ Salcedo exclaimed, “Oh, my goodness, you’re right!”
Pivoting Toward A Public Health Career
“My family asked, ‘How do you go from clinical patient care to a role in public health?’ I view the two roles as sharing similar goals — both aim to improve patients’ healthcare. As a clinical practitioner, I only had control over how I treated individual patients. In a public health career, I would have the power to address health disparities and promote wellness on a broad scale.
“As a public agent, you can research social issues and use data analytics to examine disparities across local communities or even populations across the country. You can make changes in how healthcare is delivered by working through the legal and judicial systems and looking into grants to fund health services for underserved people.”
Why She Chose JWU Online
Salcedo chose to enroll at JWU Online because, “The Public Health bachelor’s degree program offers courses from a range of disciplines, including sociology, economics, psychology and public health. I appreciated that the program would give me a solid grounding in research methodology and data analysis.
“JWU Online is super convenient for a working adult. As a single mom to four children, ranging in age from three to almost eighteen, time to do my assignments is at a premium. Learning online made it possible for me to care for my family and meet my work schedule, including overnights in the ICU at the Boston Children’s Hospital.”
Mastering Statistics Through Online Learning
At JWU Online, Salcedo was excited to take the course Global Health because of its focus on statistics and its importance in clinical research and communicating findings. She also appreciated the format of how it was taught, allowing her to excel in statistics where previously she struggled in the area.
“When I took statistics in the physician assistant program, I kept failing the course. I felt pressured learning statistics in the PA classroom because often I had to complete and hand in the assignment at the end of class. Not every professor could teach statistics in the way I needed to learn — and they had limited time to provide individual help.
“I was excited that at JWU Online I would be learning at my own pace. Taking statistics online, I was able to read the book as many times as needed to thoroughly grasp the material. I began putting statistics together with real life, drawing on my experiences of using math as a medical assistant to understand statistics for public health.
“The professors at JWU Online are readily accessible to provide individual help. When you call or email, they will respond quickly. If you need more assistance, they will meet with you on Zoom. If you work hard to keep up with assignments and reach out when you need help, you will succeed as a student.”
Statistics and data analysis helped Salcedo navigate her family’s healthcare needs.
“While in school, working in the ICU at Boston Children’s Hospital and interning four days a week, two of my children developed critical health issues. I made the difficult decision to step back from my hospital position to care for my family and finish school.
“Doctors don’t have all the answers or time to conduct intensive research, so I did my own research by looking up every symptom and researching every test — and performing my own data analysis.
“My efforts were rewarded. Both children received the right care and are now in supportive programs where they continue to thrive. The experience deepened my interest in research — and confirmed my choice to pursue a career in public health. I want to advocate for others as I did for my children.”
Preparing For A Public Health Role Through Her Internship
“Initially, I didn’t think an internship would benefit me, but the best way to get out of my medical assistant scrubs and know what it felt like to work in the public health field was to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations of an agency that would help prepare me for a future career as a health director.
“Melanie Rainone, in Experiential Education and Career Services at JWU gave me options for internships. I chose an internship at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA), which is part of the Department of Human Services and focuses on the health & well-being of older adults.
“Although OHA is not a public health agency, participating in the work and the meetings at the busy agency, which focused on how funding is obtained and used for the health and well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, opened my eyes. Working with the Wellness and Nutrition and Senior Companion Programs within the Community Living Unit at the OHA offered me an in-depth look at how public programs are designed, implemented and evaluated. I learned how state and federal funding supports community-based services, gained experience interpreting grant applications and service contracts, and developed a deeper understanding of how government agencies ensure accountability and impact of the programs offered in the communities.”
Salcedo learned to review and analyze program data and outcomes related to contracts supporting older adults, assisted in streamlining processes and updating procedures. Salcedo also learned about the intricacies of the unit’s administrative processes related to efficiency, tracking and reporting for grant-related activities. Salcedo engaged with the team weekly and provided input on delivery improvements and contract performance.
Attending high-level meetings offered Salcedo a unique window into the dynamics of advocacy and funding concerning health and wellness programs. “Seated at a table packed with people — plus virtual participants on a huge screen — I witnessed professionals passionately defending their budgetary decisions and advocating for funding to support vital community services.
“Initially the heated exchange felt alarming to me. But hearing them have friendly conversations after the meeting, I recognized they weren’t fighting with each other — they were passionately advocating for families in need, or funds for an agency they were running. The necessity is huge and the funding is tight.”
Nervous before the internship began, Salcedo felt proud of herself at the end.
“The experience I gained will help me stand out when future employers review my job applications. People I met are now a part of my professional network. After successfully completing the internship, I have multiple recommendations when I apply for public health positions.
“I highly recommend students consider an internship. The hands-on experience and view into what the day-to-day might be like in your field, will get you ready to work.”
Capstone Project
Salcedo characterized the 15-week Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone Project class, taught by Professor Cara Sammartino, as “amazing.”
“My capstone project focused on diabetes and socioeconomics to learn whether a person’s finances correlate with their ability to access medication and treatment. Does their ability to afford a car to travel to medical appointments and shop for healthier foods make a difference? Were people more likely to develop diabetes if they couldn’t go to a gym or feel safe walking in a local park?
“I gathered data from scholarly articles and credible online sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as anecdotes from patients I had worked with at hospitals. I incorporated research during my internship on program grants and statements from one of my former internship managers. Pulling all the data together was challenging, but I found that finances correlated with access to care for diabetic patients.”
Salcedo’s Experience at JWU Online Was Challenging, But Rewarding
“The coursework deepened my understanding of population health, health equity, and policymaking, while my internship at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging gave me real-world exposure to state-run health programs. I was able to apply my clinical background to support contract evaluations, federal grant processing, and community outreach initiatives.
“Earning my Public Health degree at JWU Online expanded my ability to think beyond the individual patient and focus on the health of entire communities. It complements my clinical background and opens new doors into public health research, community health coordination, and program development. I now feel equipped to take on roles that blend data analysis, outreach, and advocacy to improve access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.”
Reflecting On Commencement
Recalling how nervous she was walking across the stage at the Providence Commencement ceremony, Salcedo confides, “I was so focused on not falling, that I kept my eyes on my shoes. My family was upset with me because I never looked into the camera.
“At the same time, I felt happy and proud of myself. Persevering through the tough times while I was working, caring for four kids and navigating challenging courses was worth it to get my degree. And I know my kids were proud, too, because as I walked across the stage, I could hear them cheering for me.”
Aspire To Make A Difference In A Public Health Career?
Advance your passion for helping communities achieve health equity with an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree from Johnson & Wales. For more information, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].
