Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Global Health Law and Policy
By Kalyn Ouk (SFS’26)
On April 1, 2025, students in Professor John Monahan’s Conversations in Global Health: Global to Local class had the privilege of engaging with Susan C. Kim, J.D., MPH, MBA, who most recently served as principal deputy assistant secretary within the Office of Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As the former deputy director at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown Law, Kim had valuable insights on her career trajectory and the changing dynamics of global health governance.
Kim’s journey to global health law was unconventional, beginning with her education at an all-women’s high school and college. Growing up in Los Angeles to South Korean immigrant parents, she initially pursued law at the University of Connecticut. The tragic loss of her brother during her final year of law school profoundly shifted her perspective on health care systems, inspiring her to complement her legal education with a master’s in public health from the University of Michigan. This combination of degrees opened doors at the O'Neill Institute, where she began as a research assistant before advancing to more senior roles.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the evolving nature of global health law, which transcends traditional international law and represents an amalgamation of legal frameworks that must ultimately be implemented domestically to have real impact. Kim’s work at HHS provided her with firsthand experience in how the United States engages with international health organizations and manages bilateral relationships in the health space.
Kim offered candid reflections on pandemic preparedness in light of COVID-19. She emphasized that while amendments to the International Health Regulations are important, their effectiveness ultimately depends on countries’ willingness to implement them domestically. The tension between transparency and fear of economic consequences remains a significant challenge in global health security.
Looking ahead, Kim highlighted several pressing concerns in global health governance, including sustainable health financing mechanisms. With many donor countries reducing their global health commitments due to domestic economic pressures, low- and middle-income countries face critical funding gaps. This shifting landscape may lead to more bilateral arrangements and internal solutions rather than reliance on global mechanisms.
For students considering careers in global health, Kim stressed the value of diverse skill sets. Her master of business administration from Georgetown University has proven particularly valuable in understanding the operational and infrastructure needs of health systems globally. She encouraged students to consider how skills developed in different sectors might transfer to global health contexts.
In this increasingly complex global health landscape, Kim’s journey reminds us that personal experiences often shape professional paths in unexpected ways. Her commitment to applying her multidisciplinary expertise to improve health systems worldwide serves as an inspiration for the next generation of global health leaders.
The class extends its sincere gratitude to Kim for her insights, which have deepened our understanding of the intricate relationship between law, policy, and global health.
Kalyn Ouk (SFS’26) is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University majoring in science, technology, and international affairs. She is a student in the Conversations in Health: Global to Local class.