Leading the Way in Public Health

By Brandon J. Craig

The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society’s Public and Environmental Health Committee is entering a new era as Richard Pan, MD steps in to chair the committee following seven years of dedicated leadership by Glennah Trochet, MD.

Born and raised in Colombia, Dr. Trochet has held positions in the Sacramento and Nevada counties departments of public health, and her decades of varied experience include working for the Zuni and Navajo nations in New Mexico. After moving to Sacramento and taking a job with Sacramento County, she was assigned to Mercy Clinic/Loaves & Fishes, a walk-in clinic serving the homeless. She later became the medical director of the Sacramento County clinics, overseeing a network of nine primary care and public health service clinics, and eventually served as public health officer from 1999 until her retirement in 2011.

Born in Yonkers, New York, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Pan is the son of Taiwanese immigrants who came to the United States to study engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biophysics from Johns Hopkins University, followed by a medical doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s of public health from Harvard University.

He moved to Sacramento to join the faculty at UC Davis where he later directed the pediatric residency program. He also co-founded Healthy Kids Healthy Future, a children’s health initiative, which secured health, dental, and vision coverage for over 65,000 children in the Sacramento region. His passion for health care access and equity was a central focus of his service in the state Legislature, where he became a nationally recognized advocate for public health policies including childhood vaccinations and health care affordability.

SSV Medicine's Brandon Craig asked Dr. Trochet to reflect on her tenure and Dr. Pan to share his vision for the future. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Dr. Trochet, what initially drove you to pursue a career in public health?

Trochet: From the time I was eight years old, I wanted to be a physician. I am fortunate that I was able to follow my dream. Like many others in our profession, I wanted to help people have healthier lives. I fell into public health while working for Sacramento County, first as the STD controller and later as health officer. I loved being able to help the community as a whole, not just one patient at a time.

Dr. Pan, what inspired you to take on this new role as Chair?

Pan: Public health has always been a passion of mine. As a pediatrician, educator, and legislator, I have seen firsthand how social determinants affect health. I believe that advocacy is key to making meaningful changes. This committee provides an incredible opportunity to influence local health policies and improve outcomes in the Sacramento region.

What would you consider your proudest achievements as Chair?

Trochet: I like to think that everything I have done in my career has helped to make our world a little better. There are no great moments, just a lot of satisfying smaller moments. One major challenge was responding to the H1N1 virus in 2010. We held dozens of immunization clinics with the help of hundreds of community volunteers! The committee has guided SSVMS policy on a variety of issues, such as climate change, transportation, and homelessness. We have not come up with all the answers, but we have tackled some very difficult topics.

Dr. Pan, what do you see as success for the committee going forward?

Pan: Ultimately, success means better health outcomes for the Sacramento region. The committee will continue advocating for SSVMS public health policies, as well as increased resources and focus on public health issues by local government and community leaders.

What do you wish more people understood about Public Health?

Trochet: I wish people understood how much work goes into ensuring that many outbreaks of disease are avoided, and when they are not, how much work goes into containing them. People have gotten used to safe food, not having to stay home with sick family members and not getting frequently sick themselves. They tend to forget that this is because public health workers are immunizing, investigating diseases, helping people access healthcare, and preventing many outbreaks.

Pan: The health of each of us is influenced by the health of all of us. While disparities in health affect the vulnerable more severely, health disparities also decrease the health of people with wealth and privilege. The best health for both the poor and wealthy are found in communities with equity.

What surprising or important lessons have you learned during your public health careers?

Trochet: Sadly, in the past few years, I learned that not everyone who chooses medicine as a career has the benefit of humanity as their goal. It has been disappointing to see physicians, who should know better, taking unscientific and dangerous actions for economic gain. The committee and its members are a source of information and support that I truly value.

Pan: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that relationships are just as important as facts and science. In the Legislature, I had to vote on a wide range of issues beyond health care. You rely on trusted colleagues to help you make informed decisions.

Dr. Trochet, do you recall the first time you worked with Dr. Pan?

Trochet: I met Dr. Pan when he first arrived at UC Davis as a faculty member. Our Public Health division helped him develop a resident-run clinic for children whose families were experiencing homelessness so that the children wouldn't be excluded from school because of illness or lack of immunizations. It was quite successful, as I recall.

Why should physicians be members of SSVMS and engaged in organized medicine?

Pan: SSVMS and organized medicine is how the voices and influence of physicians are magnified. When any medical student or physician asks me how they can learn more and influence policy, I advise them to join the medical society and be engaged. Being involved in organized medicine taught me to be an effective advocate for my patients and profession.

Thank You and Welcome

As Dr. Trochet steps down, SSVMS extends our heartfelt appreciation for her years of dedicated service. Her leadership has left a lasting impact on public health in our community.

Meanwhile, we welcome Dr. Pan with excitement, knowing that his experience and passion for advocacy will help drive the committee forward. Public health is an evolving challenge, and with Dr. Pan at the helm, the Public and Environmental Health Committee is well-positioned to continue its vital work.