Kathy Kudish - Connecticut Department of Public Health
AIMing to Inform
On the final episode of the first season of AIMing to Inform, hear from Immediate Past AIM Chair and Connecticut Immunization Program Manager, Kathy Kudish. This motivational leader shares her keys to managing a successful immunization program through a pandemic and beyond. Kathy also discusses how she juggles her double duties as a Public Health Veterinarian, leads dynamic teams, and manages burnout. About Kathy Kathy Kudish is a veterinarian by training, but her goal was always to work in public health rather than clinical practice, because she believes public health to be more impactful....
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Molly Howell - North Dakota Department of Health
AIMing to Inform
Learn how immunization managers best leverage their immunization information systems (IIS) to improve vaccination rates. In this episode, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Director and Assistant Section Chief of Disease Control Molly Howell and AIM Data Project Manager Kristy Westfall share insight into their successes with IIS. Making use of IIS data is one of the best ways to streamline program operations, pinpoint vaccine deserts, and guide real-time decisions for all vaccines and age groups. Tune in for resourceful ideas on how to use your state’s...
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Rich Lakin - Utah Department of Health and Human Services
AIMing to Inform
In this episode of AIMing to Inform, Utah Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Director Rich Lakin shares his unique perspective on immunization work in his home state. Hear about his strategy to confront misinformation and increase COVID-19 vaccination in low-uptake areas. Rich also shares his perspective on developing compelling messages for all age groups. Make time to listen to this seasoned immunization advocate! About Rich: Rich Lakin has worked in public health for 26 years. He has held positions at the local health department in injury prevention, tobacco...
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Stephanie Schauer - Wisconsin Department of Health Services
AIMing to Inform
Wisconsin's Immunization Program Manager, Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D., guides her department to success with her knowledge and clear, decisive energy. She shares her strategy to increase vaccination rates across the state of Wisconsin through building partnerships with over 100 community-based organizations. In this episode of AIMing to Inform, get tips on team management, avoiding burnout, and so much more. About Stephanie Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D. is the Director for the State of Wisconsin Immunization Program. Stephanie received her Ph.D. in Microbiology/Immunology from Boston University...
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Dave McCormick
AIMing to Inform
Listen to seasoned immunization pro, Dave McCormick, who serves as the director of the Immunization Division at the Indiana State Department of Health. Dave shares heartwarming stories of the impact public health has had on the people in his state. Learn how he has worked to reframe vaccine catch-up with new messages and vaccine touchpoints in this episode of AIMing to Inform. About Dave: Dave McCormick is the director of the Indiana Immunization Division at the Indiana State Department of Health. In this role, Dave leads a team of public health professionals committed to eliminating...
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Heather Burris - DC Health
AIMing to Inform
In this episode, hear from the dynamic Heather Burris, Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). As the "new kid on the block," Heather shares her learnings and challenges from her freshman year of being an immunization manager. With a clear focus on equity, partnerships, and leading with kindness, Heather discusses how she plans to use the technology and processes gained during COVID for all immunizations. About Heather: Heather Burris is the Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). Heather joined...
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Matt Bobo - Alaska Immunization Program Manager
AIMing to Inform
Learn from Matthew Bobo, MPH, the Immunization Program Manager in Alaska, about the unique challenges of his state's landscape. From making vaccines accessible in remote locations to building meaningful relationships with the Tribal system, Matt shares what it takes to keep his state safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. Make sure to tune in for this a-MOOSE-ing episode for tips on navigating a demanding vaccine environment and advice to keep you sane as a new immunization manager. This episode was recorded in July 2022. In August 2022, Matt resigned from the Immunization Program in...
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Claire Hannan
AIMing to Inform
As Executive Director, Claire Hannan has helmed the Association of Immunization Managers since 2004. In this episode, hear why 2022 was the right time to launch the "AIMing to Inform" podcast and what she hopes you get from this new series. Join us to listen to this adept leader who balances it all with passion, curiosity, and a regular running routine. *** About Claire *** Claire Hannan has served in her position at AIM since 2004. Claire has 18 years of experience in children’s health and immunization. After working on Capitol Hill for 5 years, Claire spent 3 years lobbying...
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Coming Soon - AIMing to Inform
AIMing to Inform
info_outlineOn the final episode of the first season of AIMing to Inform, hear from Immediate Past AIM Chair and Connecticut Immunization Program Manager, Kathy Kudish. This motivational leader shares her keys to managing a successful immunization program through a pandemic and beyond. Kathy also discusses how she juggles her double duties as a Public Health Veterinarian, leads dynamic teams, and manages burnout.
About Kathy
Kathy Kudish is a veterinarian by training, but her goal was always to work in public health rather than clinical practice, because she believes public health to be more impactful. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in public health at Tulane, and a veterinary degree at LSU, followed by two years of full-time emergency practice, she went to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence (EIS) Officer in 2004. A pertussis outbreak among the Amish during her EIS training piqued her interest in vaccine preventable disease.
In 2006 she joined the Connecticut Department of Public Health to work in the Immunization Program, and she has made it her home. Kathy has been working in immunizations for the past 17 years. Initially she worked as an epidemiologist and the vaccine preventable disease surveillance unit supervisor until she became the Immunization Program Manager in 2016. Kathy served as Chair of the AIM in 2022.
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