Q: How would you describe what you do to someone outside of education or healthcare?

Kito: I train the next generation of scientific problem-solvers. From new college students to advanced degree candidates, I teach them how to think critically, ask key questions, and find answers about everything from how medicines work to how diseases spread, so they can contribute to real-world health and scientific advancements.

Q: What inspired you to work in healthcare education?

Kito: My own deep love for science and the immense satisfaction of igniting that same curiosity in others. I’m fascinated by how the world and the human body work. Teaching in healthcare allows me to share that “aha!” moment, empowering students to understand complex scientific principles and apply them to real-world health challenges. Knowing I’m helping shape future healthcare leaders who will improve lives is what truly inspires me.

Q: What has your career journey looked like?

Kito: My journey began in cancer research during graduate school. During that time, I was also a teaching assistant. I started my academic career as an adjunct instructor. This allowed me to develop my teaching craft. I then started teaching full time and now, as an associate professor, I combine my research background with my love for teaching.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

Kito: I typically go into campus for some courses, however for the most part right now I work primarily from home. While convenient, this does require good time management. My days are a mix of live online sessions, faculty meetings, and institutional service. I maintain a constant presence in my asynchronous courses through active discussion participation and providing feedback to students. Significant time is also dedicated to course maintenance and developing up-to-date materials. I also try to prioritize ongoing professional development, attending conferences and staying current with rapid advancements in both academia and the health sciences.

Q: What advice do you give students considering a healthcare career?

Kito:

1. Understand your “why.” Healthcare is so vast. Explore different healthcare fields and roles to find what truly aligns with your motivations and interests.
2. Build a solid scientific foundation. Put in effort with your science courses. I think why I like science so much is that the foundational skills can be transferred to basically any field—for example, effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.
3. Seek varied practical experiences. Engage in shadowing, research, and volunteering to gain firsthand exposure to patient care, scientific inquiry, and service.

Q: What advice would you give students navigating uncertainty about the healthcare field?

Kito: It is okay and normal to not know.

1. Cultivate resilience and a growth mindset: Be willing to adapt, learn from challenges, and embrace continuous growth throughout your career.
2. Explore, explore, explore: The field is vast and rapidly evolving, extending far beyond traditional roles. Explore as much as you can to find what works best.
3. Foundational skills are key: Strong skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, data and digital literacy, and communication will really help with adapting to future changes in the field.

Q: What’s your favorite coping strategy to manage stress in the health field?

Kito:

1. Have a good work-life balance with clear boundaries
2. Prioritize rest and relaxation
3. Do things you enjoy outside of work

Q: How can tools like career planners or curriculum help students stay on track?

Kito: Knowing your ultimate goal, even if it’s a general idea, is essential for guiding your educational journey. Tools like career planners and curriculum provide an invaluable roadmap. They help visualize the entire academic and career path, breaking it down into manageable steps with clear milestones and specializations. This planning can help reduce anxiety and empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring efficient progress toward their aspirations.

Q: What’s your favorite TST resource, and how would you use it?

Kito: The Digital Literacy Resources are my absolute favorite. Being good with computers and online tools is such an important skill to have because almost everything we do, from work to connecting with people, uses technology. Being digitally literate helps you find information, learn new things, talk to others, and even come up with new ideas.

Q: What’s a lesser-known career path in healthcare that could be a great fit for someone who doesn’t want to be a doctor or nurse?

Kito: There are so many different avenues one can go within the healthcare field. Here are just a few:

1. Health Informatics Specialist – Bridges healthcare and technology, optimizing information systems and analyzing data to improve patient care.
2. Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – A scientific expert who educates healthcare leaders on new drugs and therapies.
3. Public Health Professional – Improves population health in roles like epidemiology, biostatistics, or health education.
4. Medical Writer/Editor – Translates complex scientific information into accessible, accurate content.
5. Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate (CRC/CRA) – Oversees clinical trials and ensures regulatory standards.
6. Psychologist – Provides behavioral and mental health support.
7. End-of-Life Specialist – Supports patients and families through hospice and palliative care.
8. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – Works with patients, especially those with autism, under supervision of a BCBA.
9. Research Scientist – Conducts investigations that advance knowledge and treatments.

Kito’s path reminds us that careers in healthcare aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, researching, writing, or serving, there’s space for you in this field. With the right tools, mindset, and mentorship, students can confidently take their first steps toward careers that not only support others—but also spark a lifelong love of learning.