Dr. Sonita Simelus has always been committed to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities – it’s what defines her as a professional. Her journey from clinical medicine to public health education speaks to the value and necessity of prevention, community engagement, and health equity. Now serving as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri, Sonita brings her wealth of experience to the classroom and beyond, artfully shaping the future of public health education.
From Physician to Public Health Advocate
Sonita's career path to public health began in the Dominican Republic, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago, and worked as an emergency room physician in rural areas. There, she encountered a difficult reality that shifted her perspective on healthcare.
"While I was dedicated to treating patients and addressing their immediate medical needs, I often found myself faced with the truth that many of these health issues were preventable and linked to broader systemic challenges," she recalls. This realization led Sonita to explore the social determinants of health, and ignited a passion for the field of public health as a whole.
And so, Sonita pursued an MPH degree at the University of Missouri, specializing in Health Promotion and Policy, which allowed her to merge her clinical background with a broader understanding of public health principles, particularly in addressing health disparities, policy development, and promoting health equity.
Shaping the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals
Now working at the University of Missouri, Sonita teaches the next generation through a broad range of courses, from Global Health and Healthcare Systems to Public Health Promotion Program Planning and Evaluation. Sonita is also deeply involved in her department’s operations, serving on four key committees. From fostering diversity and inclusion to selecting future public health leaders on the MPH Admissions Committee, she’s committed to creating an environment where students thrive, including a role as a mentor in the Public Health Scholars Program. "I believe every student has unique strengths,” she notes, “and my goal is to help them identify and build on those strengths while addressing any challenges they may face.
The Impact of CHES® Certification
Sonita is a firm advocate of the CHES® credential and what it represents, and she encourages her students to sit for the exam. Sonita's mentorship has helped several students obtain their CHES® certification and launch successful public health careers. For example, 2023 graduate Emma Wickland now works as a Research Associate at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, while another student, Alex Selig, is coordinating immunization outreach efforts in a role where her CHES® certification plays a crucial part.
Public Health Advocacy and Policy Leadership
In addition to her work as an educator, Sonita is deeply involved in public health advocacy and program evaluation. One of her notable roles is as a program evaluator co-lead for the Missouri Kinship Caregiver Program, an initiative designed to support caregivers raising children who are not their own, often in challenging circumstances. Sonita’s involvement focused on conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to better understand the specific challenges faced by kinship caregivers in Missouri.
"We conducted primary data collection to gain insights into the unique needs of these caregivers and the children they care for," she explains. This included looking at intergenerational dynamics, the impact of contact with biological parents, and overall child functioning within kinship caregiver families. "The findings from our evaluation were published in the Youth Review Bureau journal and contributed valuable knowledge to the field," she says.
Sage Advice for Aspiring Public Health Advocates
For those entering the field of health education, Sonita emphasizes that it’s crucial to develop a diverse set of skills and competencies. "To succeed in the field, health educators need to be able to convey complex health information clearly and effectively,” she shares, “whether through one-on-one interactions, group presentations, or written materials." Sonita believes that the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences—particularly those with varying levels of health literacy—is foundational to creating impactful health education programs.
Another vital skill for aspiring health educators is cultural competency. Understanding cultural differences is key to designing interventions that are not only relevant but accessible and meaningful to different communities," she notes. This means tailoring health messages to meet the unique needs of communities, ensuring that public health interventions are equitable and inclusive. "Health education is most effective when it meets people where they are, taking into account their values, beliefs, and experiences."
Analytical and critical thinking skills also play a significant role in success. "Health educators must continuously analyze the interventions they’re working on and make data-driven adjustments to improve outcomes," she says. This approach ensures that health education efforts are not only strategic but also aligned with the latest research and best practices.
In an ever-changing field, Sonita believes adaptability is crucial. "Health education is constantly evolving with new research, technology, and emerging health trends. Professionals need to stay adaptable and flexible," she advises. Whether it's incorporating digital tools like mobile apps and telehealth into outreach efforts or responding to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, health educators must be prepared to adjust and innovate.
Equally important, Sonita urges new professionals to prioritize ethical practice. "Adhering to ethical standards is non-negotiable in this field. Whether it's maintaining confidentiality, respecting individuals' rights, or promoting fairness, ethical principles must guide every action and decision we make," she emphasizes. Sonita notes that public trust is built on a foundation of integrity and professionalism, and health educators must uphold these values to foster strong relationships with the communities they serve.
Sonita is also candid about the challenges that new health educators may face. "It can be daunting to work in communities where the needs are so great, and disparities are deeply rooted in social and economic factors," she says. Her advice? "Take the time to learn about the community you're serving. Building trust and understanding are the first steps to making a difference."
Another significant challenge is the resource constraints that often come with public health work. "Working with limited resources—whether financial, material, or human—can be a significant hurdle, especially in community settings," she acknowledges. Sonita advises new educators to get creative. "Look for partnerships, apply for grants, and make the most of the resources you have. Collaboration can be a powerful tool when resources are scarce."
Sonita also points out that many new professionals struggle to balance theory and practice, especially when transitioning from academic training to real-world application. "It's one thing to learn about program planning and evaluation in a classroom, but it's another to implement it in a community setting," she explains. Her advice is to seek mentorship and hands-on experience, such as internships, volunteer opportunities, or shadowing professionals in the field. "These experiences are invaluable in helping bridge the gap between theory and practice."
Finally, Sonita emphasizes the importance of maintaining motivation and resilience. "Public health work can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming," she admits. "But it’s important to remember the long-term impact of your efforts." She encourages new educators to build a strong support network of colleagues, mentors, and professional organizations, as these relationships provide encouragement, guidance, and opportunities for growth. "Celebrate small successes along the way," she advises. "It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, but staying focused on the progress you’re making—even if it’s incremental—can help keep you motivated."
Looking to the Future
"In the next decade, technology will play an even more significant role, and there will be a continued focus on promoting health equity," she predicts. Sonita is confident that health educators will lead the charge in creating innovative solutions to public health challenges and improving the well-being of communities worldwide, and she remains committed to empowering her students and colleagues to make a lasting impact. "Together, we can continue to positively impact!"