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Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast

Episode #310 Tribal Health Through Student Internship, With Gary Piercey, PhD

On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast


Welcome to another episode in our special sponsored series about the Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) and the public health professionals who work there. Our guest is Gary Piercey, who joins us to discuss his career journey in public health and his commitment to serving tribal communities at the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB). We take a deep dive into some of the programs that Gary is excited about right now, including an 8-week internship program known as the Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar (THESIS). We also discuss how the SPTHB promotes innovation and leadership skills, and Gary shares his advice for aspiring public health professionals, highlighting the power of continuous education. For all this and more, be sure to tune in to this conversation with Gary Piercey!


Meet Gary Piercey


Gary Piercey has been with the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board for almost two years. He is an internal evaluator for three different programs, TECPHI, GHWIC, and THESIS. THESIS (Tribal Health Experiential Student Internship Seminar) is an 8-week internship for undergraduate students interested in public health. Gary has his doctorate in Organizational Leadership and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and eight year old son.


Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast


Conversation Highlights


  • An introduction to Gary and his role as an Internal Evaluator at the SPTHB.

  • The story of his transition into public health after a 23-year career in education.

  • Insight into Gary’s lifelong commitment to service and giving back to his community.

  • A deeper look at the THESIS program and how SPTHB encourages leadership.

  • How applicants are selected for THESIS.

  • Some early and encouraging feedback from participants.

  • The accompanying digital stories that bring life to interns’ research topics.

  • Gary’s advice for young public health professionals: put your best foot forward!

  • How you can learn more about the THESIS program.

  • Tips for taking something away from every learning opportunity presented to you.


“[Something] our organization pushes [is] find something you are passionate about and then let’s work to make the best program we can. That’s the beauty of where I work and what I’m a part of; they are always [encouraging you] to be a leader.” — Gary Piercey

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Public Health Consulting To Support You


DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.

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