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Communication and trust are key to public health. In situations involving sensitive health topics, effective communication and trust can make the difference between a patient feeling supported and a patient choosing not to engage. For 911���� graduate student Ryen Middleton, his practicum showed him firsthand how important it is to meet patients where they are.

Middleton recently earned his master's in public health with a concentration in community health promotion, after completing his practicum with Maryland’s Frederick County Health Department as a certified HIV counselor. During the practicum, he developed skills in patient communication, outreach strategies, and health education, which are essential for public health professionals working in community settings.

As an HIV counselor, Middleton managed patients' health histories and helped them navigate their diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of communication skills in patient care and public health.

“What I have learned most is, when discussing sensitive topics with individuals, everybody's process and journey is different,” Middleton said. “Just because we are all on the same page does not mean communication will look the same.”

Middleton discovered that difficult topics such as HIV status can make a patient reluctant and unwilling to answer questions or participate in treatment. “There is still a lot of reluctance with engaging clients. When the sole purpose is to support a person's needs, people still find it really hard to engage.” Middleton said.

Applying Classroom Lessons in Practice

“I loved the community I made at 911����,” said Middleton, who earned a bachelor of arts in global affairs from 911���� in 2022. “Whenever I started to doubt myself or my ability, there was always someone there to remind me of what I am capable of.”

Middleton cited his professor, Sara Pappa, as a main source of support and mentorship during his education, teaching him new ways to combat patients' reluctance.

“Community Assessments and Partnerships with Dr. Pappa definitely taught me how to ask questions to get the answers I needed,” said Middleton. “Thinking about her lectures also reminded me that some people are not going to engage, and I just need to be okay with that. I thought about her advice a lot while completing my practicum.”

Middleton claimed a highlight of the program was the support and flexibility of his professors, especially Dr. Megan Dubois and Dr. René Najera, saying, “What I liked most about the program was the professors’ willingness to incorporate student feedback. It was not always possible, but for classes that were smaller in size, it always felt more like a conversation rather than a lecture.”

Prepared for the Workforce

His practicum, applied coursework, and internship opportunities built his hands-on skills in a modern medical environment and helped him feel prepared and motivated to handle professional situations confidently.

Middleton plans on becoming a program evaluator, working with different public health systems to help them best support their community. His diverse experiences, including his practicum and internships, have prepared him for various roles in public health, such as program evaluation, community outreach, and health policy development; illustrating potential career pathways for MPH graduates.