Kamala T. Green has been an account representative in primary care systems with the American Cancer Society for nine months. It’s a newly created position that came as a result of reorganization in 2013.
What does your job entail?
My job requires assisting the Federally Qualified Health Centers in Baltimore City to implement tools to increase their screening rates for breast and colorectal cancer. My day is spent assessing and implementing processes that impact the centers’ ability to screen patients around breast and colorectal screenings; linking [them] to resources in the community for free screening opportunities for underinsured and uninsured patients; eliminating health disparities through education; and increasing Baltimore City’s awareness that early detection saves lives and it means more Happy Birthdays.
What kind of schooling or training did you go through?
I have a master’s in counseling psychology with a background in public policy and quality improvement. Once hired, I received over 320 hours of education to equip me to successfully engage the health care community in education and awareness of increasing screening rates. Learning for me is continuous. I consistently read articles, listen to webinars and attend conferences increase my knowledge in health care trends.
What inspired you to this career?
After 20 years in mental health and public policy, I wanted to explore different opportunities that I could use my skills and was mission-oriented. Ironically, after a visit to my doctor, she informed me that I needed to get additional tests to confirm that I had cervical cancer. Thankfully, all the tests came back negative and then this opportunity presented itself. I felt like [it was] God’s destiny-defining moment for me.
What do you like best about your job?
I absolutely love when patients share they were screened for breast and colorectal cancer. It means more lives saved and we are winning the fight against cancer one life at a time.
What are the challenges?
The challenges of my job are convincing people to have cancer screenings and eliminating the myths around its importance.