Global Health Institute

Tell us about your interest in global health. 

My curiosity in global health was piqued due to its multidisciplinary emphasis on holistic care. Health lies at the intersection of many institutions and fields, such as biology and law, with constant room for improved integration. Consequently, I have declared a Biology of Global Health major to explore health from a biological lens and pursue a minor in science, technology, and international affairs to gain familiarity with global health policy. Ultimately, my interest in the Conversations in Global Health course stems from my desire to learn more about ways to positively impact lives through healthcare solutions at the policy level. 

Tell us about other global health events you may have participated in on campus/in D.C.

During my sophomore year, I attended a lecture by Professor Mendenhall on her book Syndemic Suffering: Social Distress, Depression, and Diabetes among Mexican Immigrant Women. She spoke about the lives of these women who have faced immense socio-economic difficulties that impacted their psychological and physiological well-being. She argued that conventional frameworks ignore the macro-level socio-economic and political factors on global health issues, such as disease clustering, and thereby are mutually reinforce individual disease pathologies. Her lecture also inspired me to learn more about the Science, Technology, and International Affairs – Global Health minor.

What activities are you involved with on campus?

On-campus, I am an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS), as its acting Director of Office Maintenance and Enhancement. This semester I am also beginning to volunteer in the lab of Dr. Judy Wang, Associate Professor of Oncology and member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Program at Georgetown University, focusing on the cultural, behavioral, and psychological aspects of cancer care. I am also a member of GlobeMed Georgetown, an organization aiming at promoting global health education and student engagement through grassroots partnerships and dialogue. 

What is your favorite part about being at Georgetown?

My favorite aspect of attending Georgetown University is the number of opportunities available as students, classmates, and D.C. residents. We, students, are offered academic programs, speakers, and organizations which inform us about current issues and encourage the consideration of alternative viewpoints. The unique nature of our Global Health program and its location in Washington D.C. makes it perfect for studying global health with access to leaders and career opportunities in the biological and political realms of global health. We also have a great opportunity to interact with other passionate students from diverse backgrounds and mutually enhance our educations and networks.

Tell us about your educational and professional aspirations.

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology of Global Health, a Science, Technology, and International Affairs – Global Health minor while on a pre-medical track. Following graduation, I am going to take a gap year to hopefully either work in the healthcare sector or pursue a Master’s in Public Health. Subsequently, I am planning on attending medical school and becoming a physician, integrating my global health knowledge to become a well-rounded healthcare practitioner. Overall, I hope to remain interested in global health and open toward any opportunities which allow me to help change the lives for the better.