Medcalf, Sharon

Medcalf begins her interview by describing her background overseas and coming to UNMC. She gives a career overview including her long-term care work leading to the infection control field and outreach training experiences leading to public health degree paths. She describes getting her PhD and the influence of Phil Smith. She discusses her research interest in public health’s role in preparedness. She describes the establishment of the Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness and Emerging Infectious Diseases as a consolidation of separate campus efforts. She gives an overview of degree programs in the College of Public Health, statewide training initiatives, and the student response team’s participation in public health and disaster events. Medcalf discusses global public heath involvement with the Global Outbreak Alert Response Network, student internships in Geneva, and World Cup advisors in Qatar. She discusses the impacts of avian influenza and community emergency training. She describes the creation of online education for both campus and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on education during the pandemic, important leadership qualities, awards she has received, and the future of her career. Medcalf concludes her interview by discussing misinformation and risk communication on social media and her passion for public health.

Transcript of an interview with Dr. Sharon Medcalf.