Decatur, GA- It's hard to believe that
almost two years have passed since Vincent and Grace moved from
Los Angeles to the Atlanta area. Now they are packing up for
Seattle, Washington, where a typical morning commute may
involve a trip on a ferry with an umbrella in one hand and an
espresso in the other.
"We're excited to move," says Vincent, 34, a
medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). "I'm looking forward to my new
position at the King County Health Department. I've always
wanted to take advantage of the lifestyle that the Northwest
has to offer."
"Although it's overcast during winter, I'm sure we will manage," chimes in
Vincent's wife,
Grace, 30. "However, we may have to buy a large
lightbox."
Why the move? Vincent has accepted a
position as a preventive medicine resident (PMR), which for
him consists of a one-year practicum position at a local
health department. The main purpose of this year is to develop
practical public health skills in areas such as administration
and policy-making. Although the position is on the West Coast,
he remains with the U.S. Public Health Service and the CDC.
And because the PMR program is run by CDC, it will not be a
tearful farewell from Atlanta. His responsibilities will bring
him back to Atlanta several times a year.
Although Grace and Vincent will not arrive in
Seattle until August, they are excited about the new
activities that await them. Picking Washington cherries,
kayaking, mountain climbing, skiing, and other outdoor activities are
just a few of the adventures they hope to experience within
the next year.
After the PMR year, then what? "Ha! Much
too early to say," replies Grace. "We just only found
out about Seattle."
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