File:I Am CDC - Amanda MacGurn.webm

I work in the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, on the Global Border Health Team.

I work with authorities at international airports and other points of entry in French-speaking West African countries to help them plan for infectious disease outbreaks. We help them develop public health emergency response plans and procedures, train staff, and conduct simulations so they that can better protect their country and the world, including the US, from the spread of disease. Our motto is that disease is only one flight away. Public health is everyone’s responsibility. At airports and other points of entry, involving both health and non-health workers is critical to identifying and referring sick people to care—to help them and to protect the public.

I studied French in college and at first I wanted to be a linguist or an interpreter. Then during my time in the Peace Corps, I decided that global public health was the direction I wanted to take to marry my interests in language, culture, and public service. So I pursued a master of public health concentrating on global health. It is the perfect fit for me.

If I weren’t working at CDC, I’d like to work with a global health organization in crisis-stricken areas. Or else I’d be a barista… because I love coffee.

I love what I do because I really believe it’s making a difference in improving global health security—at home and abroad. I’m honored to be a part of it.

I’m Amanda MacGurn and I am CDC!

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