Kelsey Green

What inspired you to study public health? 

Working with 13 formerly incarcerated men at an SRO in downtown San Francisco as a nursing student in my community health clinical rotation. During my time with them, my colleague and I taught them how to make healthy microwavable meals and homemade face masks and educated them on health topics they wanted to learn more about. I learned about the power of listening to the population I am working to make change for and with. Also, I learned how one can make change from even the smallest amount of resources, like a $25 Safeway gift card to feed 13 people. That experience showed me how impactful public health is and the beauty of working with a community. Since then, I have continued to be inspired by the power of public health: an unsung hero to humanity.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far? 

When I was asked to represent USF at the TIPH Graduate Fair and participate in the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH). I felt so honored that my school entrusted me to represent our MPH program and discuss the many enriching opportunities and the fantastic staff we have with prospective MPH students. Talking to those students made me realize how much I have learned about public health and what I can do with my degree. Attending the conference helped me to start honing in on exactly what I want to do with my dual degrees and ideas to bring back to my program to enhance it further. I also attended their DEI post-conference workshop, which gave me more ideas for my school’s ADEI committee to ensure it adequately serves the school community. Getting to participate in these experiences was very rewarding, and I was honored that my school recognized my passion for public health and provided me with this opportunity to deepen it more.

Where did you do your practicum? What was it about? 

My MPH curriculum schedule is slightly different because I am in a dual degree program. I am starting to apply for my practicum this month, and I hope to intern at a community health facility that focuses on health equity for minority groups and minority pregnant families.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career? 

I hope to start a community health clinic run by minority healthcare providers that provides primary and maternal health resources to minority families.

Advice: 

Listen to the community members to tell you what they need. They are one’s best and most accurate source of information.

If you are working, what is your job? 

I am an emergency department nurse at CPMC Van Ness Campus in San Francisco, CA.

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