Navigating Public Health: My Decision to Pursue an MPH at Tufts

As an undergraduate student, I double majored in biology and psychology. It wasn’t until my junior year that I realized the need to incorporate public health into my education, inspiring me to pursue an MPH—specifically at Tufts. 

Public Health Interest: Laying the Foundations

The spring of my junior year, I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Being known as one of the happiest and healthiest countries, I observed firsthand the role that environmentally friendly public health policies have on the population. Denmark highlights the importance of sustainable healthcare systems, specifically in the lens of preventative care. A country largely focused on enforcing physical health, Danish citizens are more likely to bike or walk to work. This form of transportation decreases carbon emission as well as depression rates, while subsequently increasing cardiovascular health and community bonding—all of which play a role in public health. 

Working in Healthcare

Upon my return home to Boston, I began an internship in clinical research for plastic surgery. Working at a leading pediatric hospital, I saw the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 and began to wonder more about the US healthcare systems policies regarding infectious disease epidemiology. It was in that moment that I decided to pursue an MPH at an institution that prioritized community outreach, leadership, and academic curiosity, with all signs leading towards Tufts. 

“Why Tufts?”

The culmination of experiences I gained from my time abroad and working in a hospital at home inspired me to apply for an MPH. After researching countless institutions, nothing felt right—that is, until I found the MPH program at Tufts. So, putting faith in my application, I only applied to one school. 

While there are countless reasons why I chose Tufts, leading the decision was the Individualized concentration, which allowed me to focus on Infectious Disease Epidemiology. When pursuing my undergraduate degree, I felt very limited in my course selection. The freedom to pick my own courses and design my own concentration at Tufts was unique and something I had not heard of. Mixing courses such as Environmental Epidemiology with Global Maternal-Child Health, I will gain a more holistic view of public health all while working with some of the best professors in the field. 

Something else that drew me to Tufts for my MPH was the dedication they had to diversity and inclusivity. The prioritization of representing individuals from all backgrounds creates a well-rounded scope of our public health system, as well as identifying and supporting those who need it most. 

My Time at Tufts

Welcomed with open arms, I have had nothing but positive experiences at Tufts. The MPH program has advanced my leadership skills while fostering a sense of community. From analyzing data sets in Epidemiology and Biostatistics to creating my own surveys in Survey Research Methods, Tufts has molded me into a more dedicated, compassionate, and optimistic learner. 

The experiences I have had at Tufts extend well past Harrison Avenue and well into Boston. My time at Tufts has opened my eyes to healthcare barriers I would never have even thought of, all while supplying me with the experiences I need to thrive, such as the APE. Having access to endless resources, I have been able to be a student, a researcher, and a volunteer. 

So, What’s Next? 

As I work to complete the MPH program, I plan on continuing my efforts as a student to learn, create an inclusive environment, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by my professors. This program has only encouraged my love for health justice and proven to me that any positive change, at any level, has an impact.

Upon the completion of my MPH, I plan on attending medical school for my MD or MD/PhD, which will provide me more abilities to bridge the gaps in our healthcare system. It is my opinion that public health knowledge is the stepping stone for preventative care, which stops disease transmission before it even starts. My education on public health will never be fully complete, which is why having an MPH is a crucial starting point. 

The underestimation of public health importance cannot be stressed enough, which is why with the support Tufts provides, I will continue to work towards a more equitable healthcare system. I am proud to be a Jumbo, and always will be. 

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