Ali Andrus
Diabetes Health Educator, UF Health Shands
Ali Andrus ‘24 is a Diabetes Health Educator at UF Health Shands. In this role, she will teach the outpatient individual/group classes, do community outreach, develop updated educational materials, and help establish more visibility to health care providers. Ali attributes her career readiness and confidence to the skills and tools she developed through the University of West Florida’s Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness program, as well as faculty mentorship.
What inspired you to be a health care educator?
Health has always been important to me, especially after becoming a mom. I also have a strong family history of diabetes, which has influenced my decision to pursue this path.
How did UWF prepare you for this position?
I learned so much in the UWF program and learned a lot about myself during that time. This program not only deepened my knowledge in health promotion and wellness, but it also challenged me academically and helped me build the confidence to step into this next chapter of my career. I’m truly grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout my time at UWF. Even though I completed the program online, I never felt disconnected from the learning experience. The online program was still rigorous and offered valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with classmates from various locations, including Pensacola. The faculty, especially Dr. Vinci, played a key role in helping me grow both personally and professionally. I have looked back at some of the projects and assignments from Dr. Debra Vinci’s classes in preparation for this job, and I will likely continue to reference them in the future. Dr. Vinci also encouraged me to pursue certification pathways in addition to the Health Education Specialist certification that strengthened my role as a health care educator. I feel it has given me additional tools that will be instrumental in my new job.
What advice do you have for students seeking a job in the health and wellness field?
My advice to other students pursuing a career in the health and wellness field is to always remember why you started. For me, it was my family and the desire to make healthier choices, not just for myself, but for them as well. Be open to continued learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Most importantly, find an area you're truly passionate about, because genuine interest and compassion can go a long way in making a meaningful impact.