LANAI, Hawaii—Airman First Class Jessica Farkas is a public health technician assigned to the 181st Medical Group, Indiana Air National Guard. She is currently serving as a public health technician for the Tropic Care Maui County 2018 Lanai clinic, operating this week as part of the U.S. military’s Innovative Readiness Training mission.
Farkas’s interest in public health came about after reading the courses required for the public health degree program when she was in college, said Farkas. It was a sudden realization at the time. Reading the course list, Farkas said, “That’s it, that’s what I want to do!”
Farkas recieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and wanted more experience in the field, so she enlisted in the Air Guard as a public health technician on advice from a friend that was currently serving in the Guard.
As a public health technician in the Guard, Farkas’s focus is on Airmen. Her responsibilities are wide ranging, from administering hearing tests, educating Airmen on communicable diseases, and assessing members’ individual medical readiness.
Wherever Airmen go, public health looks out for their best interest by inspecting and assessing where Airmen stay to make sure they have appropriate quarters, proper sources to maintain hygiene, and their food and water is safe, said Farkas.
Farkas said even when it came to members staying in the field, they keep them safe by catching mosquitos and ticks and sending them off to a lab to get tested for Lyme disease and Zika virus. Public health also advises members on how to prevent and treat bug bites and other hazards they may face. “I enjoy the preventative part of health," said Farkas. “So, protecting people before they get sick.”
Farkas said she intends to get her master’s degree in public health and commission as a public health officer.
Her professional civilian goals are still tied to serving the people through public health services. Farkas said she would like to work at the National Guard Bureau or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Farkas said she enjoys her job because of the constant professional growth, learning, and being able to interact with people. “I love the growing aspect of it,” said Farkas. “There are many different specialties so I don’t get bored, I feel like I’m always growing in any area”
When she is not working, Farkas enjoys trail running, spending time with friends and family, and watching TED Talks.