224: How I Built My Public Health Career: Rejections, Lessons, and Opportunities with Omari Richins, MPH

Interview with Omari Richins, MPH

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Highlights from this episode:

Public Health Millennials supports individuals in navigating public health careers.
Omari’s journey began with a biology degree and a desire to help people.
He discovered public health through a Facebook ad for an MPH program.
Health inequities became a pivotal focus during his MPH education.
Leadership roles in public health can significantly impact career trajectories.
Networking and informational interviews are crucial for career development.
Fellowships can fast-track careers in public health.

Episode 224 of Public Health Careers

In this episode, Omari Richins CEO of the Public Health Millennial and Host of Public Health Careers Podcast shares his journey from aspiring veterinarian to public health advocate, highlighting the importance of community engagement, leadership, and the value of diverse experiences in shaping a career in public health. He emphasizes the significance of public health education and the opportunities available through fellowships and professional development. In this conversation, Omari Richins shares his journey in public health, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities, self-care, and continuous learning. He discusses his experiences from his fellowship in Alaska to starting the Public Health Millennial platform, navigating challenges during the pandemic, and the significance of work culture. Omari encourages listeners to be curious, enjoy life, and not limit themselves to conventional paths in public health.

Omari Richins earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tampa, where he volunteered as a Patient Care and Pre-Op/Post-Op Volunteer at Memorial Hospital of Tampa Florida.

He completed a Master of Public Health in Management and Policy at the University of Florida. During this time, he volunteered with My HealtheVet at the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, attended the The American Public Health Association, and held roles including Soccer/Football Referee for the University of Florida, Department of Recreation Sports, President of the Public Health Student Association, Community Initiative Assistant Planner at the Well Florida Council, and Committee Member for the Public Health Policy Committee.

In 2018, Omari traveled to Europe where he interned as a National Rural Health Advocacy & Policy Intern.

In 2019, he moved to Alaska, where he served as a Community Health Fellow at the Mat-Su Health Foundation.