Ask the Intern: Emily Pangalila at the NYC Department of Health

The future of public health depends on a new class of emerging professionals like Emily Pangalila (GPH '25), a master's in public health student with a concentration in community health science and practice.

Photo by Jonathan King

As an intern at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene this summer, Emily researches the effectiveness of strategies to combat HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings. That means reviewing existing research, designing surveys to gather feedback from healthcare providers, and developing interview guides for group discussions.

"I am most enthusiastic about enhancing my skills and understanding of implementation science, which involves translating research into practical solutions," Emily says.

Making a difference in health outcomes for marginalized groups is a worthy goal, but it isn't the only perk of the internship-Emily says she's also enjoying the skyline views of Manhattan and Queens from the Department of Health's Long Island City office's top floor.

Photo by Jonathan King

TITLE: Intern at the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

THE GIG: I work to identify the most effective approaches for reducing HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings and ensure these strategies are both effective and feasible for everyday application.

TYPICAL DAY: My primary job responsibilities include reviewing existing research on HIV stigma interventions, designing surveys to gather feedback from healthcare providers on the real-world practicality and appropriateness of these initiatives, and guiding group discussions with providers to gain deeper insights into their experiences and opinions. I am excited to assist in developing tools that clinics can utilize to directly address stigma, thereby enhancing patient care and community health.

LUNCH BREAK ROUTINE: I enjoy connecting with other interns. It's refreshing to share insights and learn from each other's projects. Sometimes, I venture out to explore nearby food spots (Instant Noodle Factory and JACX&CO Food Hall are my go-tos right now). I also love taking a stroll to Queensbridge Park, where I can relax by the East River waterfront.

NETWORKING: I recently attended a meeting where the NYC Commissioner of Health, Ashwin Vasan, shared insights into public health and discussed his professional journey with other interns. I also attended an event where Dr. Vasan interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci, which provided a unique perspective on the intersection of policy and public health practice.

Photo by Jonathan King

INSPIREDBY: The film Philadelphia resonates deeply with me. Tom Hanks portrays a lawyer with AIDS who faces discrimination and fights for justice, highlighting the critical role of advocacy in public health. It underscores the importance of challenging stigma within healthcare systems and society at large.

DREAM JOB: My dream role includes (but isn't limited to) directing public health programs, consulting for health organizations or NGOs, and/or leading a nonprofit organization. In a leadership role, I could influence mental health outcomes, program development, and research in stigma reduction to make a tangible impact on public health.

Photo by Jonathan King