She first discovered her interest in pursuing a career in medicine in high school.  Now Dr. Charla Burns is making a difference by educating the public on COVID-19 research and how political issues affect the community.

She is an epidemiologist at the CDC Foundation, a nonprofit set up to support the Centers for Disease Control Foundation and Prevention (CDC) Foundation in Houston.  Burns is also part of the Democratic Party executive committee in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. 

After growing up in West Monroe, Louisiana, she received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Louisiana State University in 2000.

She then attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.  Burns trained for two years at Tulane University and participated in the Campaign School at Yale University.

Her mother, a chemistry teacher, would teach her biology and chemistry.  “My mom would influence me by purchasing medical board games.  My favorite game to play was Operation,” she said.  

What she does for the CDC is track the cases entering numbers into the CDC database.  She does her part to stop the spread of COVID-19 through Harris Country Public Health.  She explains how the vaccine works, its side effects and how to avoid the disease.  Her role isn’t defined, but she does her best to fill in any question or add input when needed by the local health department.

As for her political background, it started because of her mother’s interest in politics.  As far back as Burns remembers, her mother was a delegate for the Democratic National Convention. 

“I would tag along starting when I was 12, and every four years, I would attend with my mom.  I think I’ve been to about 10 to 12 conventions with her,” she said. 

Her mother instilled in her the importance of voting as an African American woman. 

“She inspired me with her efforts in the community, which made me want to get involved,” Burns said.

She likes being that person people trust, especially those not familiar with politics.  “I receive a lot of support on social media.  People follow me, ask questions to be informed, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously,” she said.