Ana Salas, MPH, is a community outreach coordinator with the UNC Lineberger Office of Community Outreach and Engagement who values sharing knowledge. This belief shaped her career choice to serve and educate rural communities in North Carolina.
Here’s a few minutes with Ana Salas.
Tell us about your journey to this point in your career
Growing up, I always wanted to be a dentist. I actually remember proclaiming this to my parents when I was 11 years old. As the first person in my family to attend college in the United States, my parents were thrilled with this possibility.
During my time in undergrad, I broke down the real cost of dental school and the percent of first year rejection rate and I thought I would take another angle. I decided to go back to school for dental assisting to get both dental experience and to give me some time to save up some money to pay for school.
I ended up loving being a dental assistant since I was able to spend time with my patients; I was able to do oral health education; and I was able to take part of school trips and camps where we get to give kids experiences of what it was like to be in dentistry. I loved all of that!
I wanted to learn how to do the education part of my job better, so I decided to go back to school to get my master’s in public health. I really wanted to focus on communications and getting health education information out to the general public, so I started looking for jobs that would allow me to do that.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in community outreach, in particular in the cancer space?
I have had the privilege to go to school and learn so much, and I believe in sharing knowledge. This role allows me to do that at both the community level and the individual level.
I was interested in working with cancer because it is something that impacts everyone’s life. Everyone has had a personal experience with cancer or someone they know and love who has been affected by cancer.
Being able to be a bridge between the community, clinicians and researchers is a role and responsibility I am truly grateful for.
Why is serving this patient population important to you?
I was born and raised in North Carolina, and my family and friends are here. The people in North Carolina are friendly. I have approached so many diverse communities and have been welcomed with open arms and as “part of the family.”
When people treat you like family, you want to treat them like family back, and of course I want my family to be able to live the healthiest life they possibly can.
What is your most memorable moment so far in your current role?
The most memorable moment in my current role has been hosting a colorectal cancer event for the Spanish-speaking population at a local church. While the attendance was great, what really struck me was how engaged the community was and how hungry they were for more information. It was just incredibly validating that the work our outreach team does is important, wanted and needed.
What advice do you have for someone entering this line of work?
Have fun! Sometimes working in cancer can be difficult, but remembering those times where you feel like you have made true meaningful connections makes it all worth it.
What was your very first job?
My first official job was at a chiropractic office as a part-time receptionist after school.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy reading mystery books and baking.
What helps keep you motivated?
The idea of making a difference in at least one person’s life and helping someone live a healthier and happier life.