by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN
Aaron Kissler, MPH, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk), has dedicated over 26 years to public health service. With a career spanning local, regional, and state leadership, Aaron Kissler brings his passions for data analysis, epidemiology, and fostering community engagement.
The workforce challenges faced by public health departments nationwide are no secret and those challenges often include recruiting skilled professionals, retaining experienced staff, and ensuring teams are trained to meet both the routine needs of the community they serve as well as emergent needs. Under Aaron Kissler’s leadership, DOH-Polk is taking proactive steps to strengthen its workforce and prepare for the future.
In this conversation, Kissler shares his leadership philosophy, how DOH-Polk supports its staff, and why investing in a strong health department workforce is essential.
What is your philosophy for building a strong county health department’s workforce?
Experience is essential when addressing public health issues, whether it’s clinical care, dental care, etc. That’s why I believe in giving our workforce new opportunities to grow through experience and build on their successes.
Training is also a critical part of my philosophy. It not only prepares our team for their daily duties but also equips them for emergencies. Our staff bring a wide range of skills, often from fields one might not even associate with public health and those backgrounds can become unexpected assets. Retaining skilled and experienced workers is equally important to a strong workforce: their knowledge can be invaluable.
Finally, strong ties to the community allows for effective recruitment and to understand and align with the needs in the community.
What qualities or approaches help attract people to public health roles today?
There is a good deal of variety in public health, so there is room to pivot into programs that match people’s evolving interests. That flexibility can be very appealing. More importantly, public health offers the opportunity to make a difference. When people see the positive impact public health has on the lives of communities and individuals, it can inspire them to join and stay in the field.
How does the department support staff development?
One of the great benefits of working for DOH-Polk is access to various professional development opportunities. Tuition waivers are available for employees who want to pursue further education, supporting both upward mobility and improved job performance.
Employees also have access to training opportunities beyond the county, including collaborations with other counties as well as statewide trainings.
We encourage employees who are interested in further development to work with their supervisors to create an Individual Development Plan to build towards future career goals.
What strategies do you believe help create a workplace where staff want to stay and grow?
It begins with creating a workplace where employees feel they’re part of something meaningful. A place where they can work together to listen to the community, solve problems, celebrate victories, and recognize challenges.
Another strategy is working with the employee to see where they want to grow and help them find opportunities that support that growth, while benefiting the department. Providing stability is also key for those who want to build a long-term career. Having a flexible workforce that is willing to adapt to new challenges alongside the evolving needs of the community is essential to success.
How does building a strong public health department workforce translate into community health?
A strong public health workforce is one that works hand in hand with its community partners to build a reliable network of support for the people it serves. DOH-Polk is one of many organizations working to improve community health in Polk County. That’s why it’s important to strengthen our relationships with hospitals, clinics, schools, and other local partners. Together, we can more effectively address the challenges that impact the wellbeing of our residents.
What message do you want to send people considering a career in public health?
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to be part of a dynamic profession, public health is a meaningful and rewarding choice. You can learn more about public health career opportunities with DOH-Polk by visiting our employment opportunities webpage or by calling us at 863-519-7900.
About the author: Dr. Alison Young-Tan, an internal medicine/pediatrics physician, currently serves the community as medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).