Cal State Fullerton public health alum Anna Le spent the past year working at the Orange County Health Care Agency, learning about promoting and protecting individual and community health.
Le worked at the health care agency as a fellow in the Professions Advancing and Transforming Health Academy’s Post-Undergraduate Fellowship Program.
“My own experiences growing up in a community with limited access to quality health drives my commitment to understand health problems and find lasting solutions to improve public health,” Le said.
Le earned her bachelor’s degree in public health in 2024 and is the first in her family to pursue a graduate degree. She chose to return to CSUF this fall to begin the Master of Public Health program.
“Throughout my years at CSUF, the academic experiences and relationships that I’ve built with faculty members and fellow students made it clear that this was the right place to continue my journey,” Le said.
“With the support of programs, professors and peers, I strive to become a public health professional to improve the quality of life for families similar to mine.”
Le’s career goal is to become an epidemiologist or data analyst in chronic disease research.
The fellowship and graduate school prep program introduces CSUF graduates to health careers and addresses California’s demand for health professionals.
During their post-graduation positions, fellows learn about the health care agency’s internal workings while taking a gap year to apply for health-related graduate programs.
“Work-based learning has become increasingly important when pursuing careers in health fields,” said Alice Lee, associate professor of public health and PATH Academy director. “Through the program, fellows gain critical hands-on experience to prepare them for success in graduate school and their future health careers.”
During their training at the health care agency, fellows receive stipends funded by a California Department of Health Care Access and Information grant for the PATH Academy.
Le was among the program’s first five fellows to finish their yearlong work at the health care agency. Six new fellows are now working at the health care agency, with recruitment for 2026-27 fellowships opening late next spring.
The program is open to CSUF graduates seeking an advanced degree and a career in any health field, including counseling, psychology and social work. Fellows also receive guidance and support as they apply for graduate programs.
During their fellowships, Le and the other alums contributed across multiple departments within the agency’s Behavioral Health Services.
Their activities included engaging in community initiatives, assisting with countywide billing reform and conducting credential checks to ensure health professionals’ licensing and compliance are up-to-date. Fellows also organized community events and provided clerical and office support at mental health clinics.
“All of our fellows received important exposure to what it’s like to work in a large health department while growing their professional network,” Lee said.
Le worked within Quality Management Services, where she learned about data and health information systems, and reviewed records for errors and credentialing.
“My work was important because it forces health providers to follow the correct guidelines,” said Le, adding that the experience reinforced her passion for community health.
“Through CSUF’s master’s program, I aspire to expand my public health knowledge and deepen my compassion for the communities I will serve.”