Returning to the Roots of Public Health: Lessons from Shannon Hader
Politics and public health continually meet at a crossroads. Why are they intertwined, and what does that mean for those working in public health? Shannon Hader, M.D., joined Georgetown University students for a conversion on January 27th, 2026, sharing insights learned from her career in global health.
Dr. Hader is an exemplary leader in health activism and policy development in HIV/AIDS medicine. Throughout the discussion, she grounded her insights in lived experience, encouraging students to focus on values and community when navigating the sector.
Do Politics Shape Public Health?
Politics do shape public health; Dr. Hader believes public health has always been political. While today’s partisanship may feel new, she reminded students that public health has always been influenced by politics. It matters how we navigate the relationship between health and politics to create harmony for the greater good.
Communities must be included in health decisions and conversations. Public health efforts work best when communities are meaningfully involved, not consulted after decisions or policies have been implemented. Representation is key for equity, and it must take the form of inclusion during the policy creation process.
Listening builds trust. Trust grows when policymakers and practitioners show up consistently, especially during points of turmoil. Dr. Hader reminded students that positive change happens through collaboration. She emphasized that trust is not a finite objective, rather trust within public health stems from clear communication, community engagement and a built relationship throughout time.
Funding is important, but not everything. When funding shifts with political changes, communities often suffer the consequences. Dr. Hader’s experiences highlight the vitality for advocates to ensure financial contributions are made, but also the personal commitment towards change regardless.
Finding Your Footing in Global Health
For ambitious students, she shared her opinions on navigating the global health sector. As she moved through medical school and her early career, Dr. Hader was led by her moral compass rather than linearity. With uncertainty in the horizon, she reassured students and offered advice on how to move with geopolitical changes: “Be open minded and follow the mission you are looking for. Find alignment in the mission and values you hold with the work you will be doing.” Dr. Hader encouraged students to seek diverse experiences, noting that lived experiences shape perspective and offer hope within public health.
She shared finding hope within the values that public health officials share: “I know that it is possible to get a healthier world but it is hard, trivial and people will fight. We do this because we know it matters and we care.” Dr. Hader’s career demonstrates that passion, care and hard work can move forward through barriers.
Personal Reflection
As I reflect on the conversation with Dr. Hader, I recognize the need to seek collaboration more than ever. Dr. Hader’s career in HIV/AIDS is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from the communities we serve and to listen to what is needed for effective change to happen. Within my own career, this conversation has taught me that there is strength in numbers. We are most powerful together and must collaborate through differences to remain true to the values of public health; creating sustainable change to improve the lives and healthiness of our communities globally, together.
By Rebekah C. Wright (G’27) is a graduate student in the master of science in global health at Georgetown University.