Keith Martin on Medicine, Politics, and Global Health
By Leah Warehime (H’25, B’26)
On April 8, 2025, the Conversations in Health: Global to Local class had the privilege to speak with Keith Martin, M.D., a physician, a former Canadian member of Parliament, and the current executive director of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. Dr. Martin’s story demonstrates the possible long-standing impact stemming from the intersection of medicine, politics, and global health.
Dr. Martin’s perspective on global health and social justice issues stems from his upbringing as an immigrant and his time at an all-boys Catholic school. When he began college, he worked various jobs to pay for his education, such as a prison guard and a hospital cleaner. He credits these positions with exposing him to social justice issues and gaps in health care delivery.
After completing medical school and working in an emergency department, Dr. Martin desired to have a greater impact on his community. As he considered a future in politics, he asked himself, “What will you be in 20 years if you don’t try?”
To prepare for this future, Dr. Martin focused on researching and learning the finances of campaigning in Canada while running against a long-standing incumbent.
He did so effectively.
His constituents voted for him to become a member of Parliament in the House of Commons in as part of the Reform Party.
One of Dr. Martin’s most moving stories was of treating a young adult who lost his leg due to stepping on a landmine. He brought this issue to Parliament and, in doing so, was a part of the largest international treaty that banned the use and production of landmines.
While serving in Parliament, Dr. Martin continued to practice medicine, allowing him to be grounded in his policymaking. He advised the class about setting a “red line,” meaning a nonnegotiable personal boundary. When that line was crossed, Dr. Martin left his party to join the liberal party.
One valuable insight from Dr. Martin was his advice on navigating conversations across political divides. He emphasized that evidence is not persuasive enough in politics; instead, it is essential to understand the underlying intentions of those with different opinions. By doing this, trust is established between groups, and it is possible to find common ground and act from there.
Dr. Martin now focuses his work at the Consortium to drive meaningful change. His story is a powerful example of how medicine can create meaningful international change when intertwined with politics and global health.
Leah Warehime (H’25, B’26) is a graduate student at Georgetown University in the Master of Science in Finance degree. She is a student in the Conversations in Health: Global to Local class.