Celebrating National Health Education Week, October 19–23
To recognize National Health Education Week, October 19–23, Stony Brook University’s Program in Public Health is highlighting alums advancing health education, disease prevention, and community outreach.
Meet Pascale Fils-Aime, MPH, MBA, LSSYB, an alumna of Stony Brook University who now serves as an Applied Practice Experience Coordinator and Instructor in the Department of Public Health at SUNY Old Westbury. Through her work with students, Pascale promotes cultural humility, health literacy, and hands-on learning to help prepare the next generation of public health professionals.
We spoke with Pascale about her path to public health, how her Stony Brook education shaped her, and the importance of empowering individuals and communities through health education.
Q&A With Pascale Fils-Aime
What inspired you to pursue a career in public health, and what do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I discovered public health quite unexpectedly. I had hoped to pursue a clinical career, but I wasn’t sure which path to take, especially since I loved science and sociology but found math challenging. After taking a community health course with Dr. Robbye Kinkade, I realized I’d found the profession I hadn’t yet had words for.
Public health gave me a meaningful framework for pursuing work I care about, especially partnering directly with communities and supporting people in making healthy choices that fit their needs and circumstances.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for cultural humility and personalized care with students, whether through academic advising or by helping them discover their own passions. I look forward to supporting the next generation of public health professionals as they grow and develop throughout their undergraduate years.
How did your education at Stony Brook University prepare you for your career and the work you’re doing today?
Stony Brook provided the foundation for all that I do. I remain deeply impressed by the faculty who taught me during my undergraduate and graduate studies, and I consider myself fortunate to have learned from some of the most accomplished individuals in public health.
Why is health education essential to building healthier communities?
The public is continually exposed to both accurate and inaccurate information. We must teach individuals how to identify and counter misinformation by giving them the resources to verify information independently.
My colleagues and I at SUNY Old Westbury strive to teach students how to check sources and dig deeper, not only for their own benefit, but also for their families, communities, and the people they will work with in the future.
Health literacy is essential, and fortunately, it is a skill that can be taught and strengthened with practice.
Why is hands-on, real-world experience important in preparing future public health professionals?
Personally, I learn best by taking action. I think many students may hold themselves back because they haven’t yet had the chance to discover what they’re capable of.
When students are encouraged to try something new, even if it’s outside their comfort zone, I’ve seen them blossom and gain confidence in spaces where they may not have felt they belonged.
In the long run, I believe this can help increase diversity in public health and ensure better care for everyone.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals
Pascale’s journey highlights the lasting influence of public health education, the value of mentorship, and the importance of giving students opportunities to put their knowledge into practice. Her work reinforces a central principle of public health: empowering individuals with knowledge and practical skills can help strengthen communities and support better health outcomes.
This National Health Education Week, we celebrate Pascale and the public health educators who are helping students build the skills, confidence, and commitment to make a difference.
Make a Difference Through Public Health
Are you ready to make a difference in the health of individuals and communities? Explore the Stony Brook University Program in Public Health to discover academic programs that can help you turn your passion for improving health into meaningful action.
Explore our programs and take the next step toward a career in public health. https://publichealth.stonybrookmedicine.edu/home
