In each issue of the Epigram, we are pleased to introduce you to a member of the Disease Prevention and Response team at SRHD. In this issue we feature our Epidemiologist, Anna Halloran. Anna works in our Communicable Disease Epidemiology program where she focuses on communicable disease investigation and intervention and provider and community education.

Tell us about your background.

I grew up in Moscow, Idaho and went to the University of Idaho for my undergraduate work and Washington State University Spokane for my graduate degree in Health Policy and Administration. I’ve always had a strong interest in public health, and I did my graduate research in HIV prenatal screening practices. I started at SRHD in 2007 as an intern in the HIV/AIDS program and worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist in STDs from 2008-2010 and 2012-2014. I was hired into Communicable Disease Epidemiology in 2014 and absolutely love my job.

Describe your work at SRHD.

The thing I love most about working in Communicable Disease Epidemiology is the variety. I split my time between disease investigation and intervention and community and provider education work. The disease investigation work will depend on which diseases are reported and the workloads of my teammates: some days I’ll work on a vaccine preventable disease like mumps, other days I’ll work on vector-borne diseases, like Lyme disease or West Nile Virus, with a little viral hepatitis on other days. I also spend a lot of time writing information for healthcare providers, like the Epigram or healthcare provider advisories, and I create materials and presentations for general public education.

What interests you most about communicable diseases?

All aspects of communicable diseases are fascinating. From how people are infected, to the symptoms they experience, to how they are diagnosed, to how diseases spread to other people, and to the control efforts public health can employ to stop diseases from spreading. I also love surveillance, and how that brings the historical aspects of communicable diseases and new and emerging threats together into one picture. 

Favorite part of your job? 

First and foremost, the team I work with is incredible. We have a very bright, passionate, and dedicated team of individuals in our unit who are tirelessly committed to the health of our community. Second, I love the variety that working in communicable diseases offers. Third, in addition to the intellectually stimulating work, I love the impact public health has in making our community a safer, healthier place. I’m a strong believer in vaccinations, and the partnerships we have with healthcare providers to promote vaccinations and healthy living are making an incredible difference.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

I have two young children, Amelia (7) and Oliver (4) who keep me busy with their antics and activities. I also have an old pug, Angus; a cat, Willow; a husband, Matt; and three chickens. When I’m not tending to my children or working, I love to read, cook, bike, ski, sew and try new restaurants.

Anna can be reached at ahalloran@srhd.org.