Naomi | Public Health
Biography
Naomi is a public health concentration Departmental Undergraduate Group (DUG) leader and has worked as a student assistant at the Center for Global Health Equity. Being passionate about global community health, she has also studied abroad to learn about the different healthcare systems in various parts of the world. Guided by her interest in clinical epidemiology, she also participates in stroke research projects with the Neurology Department at the Warren Alpert Medical School.
Having a liberal education has shaped how I envision my future in medicine: rather than seeing medicine as a one-and-done process of diagnosing and treating diseases, my experiences in courses spanning public health, psychology, and anthropology—opportunities made possible through the PLME program—have broadened my perspective. I see each patient’s health as a layered journey, encouraging me to become a companion for my patients as they navigate their health challenges, taking into account everything from their social backgrounds to their lived experiences. More than just individualized care, this mindset has motivated me to actively participate in policy and community-health initiatives locally and globally, striving to develop holistic, sustainable solutions that reach beyond the clinic.
An issue I care most deeply about is healthcare access. Far too often, people face many obstacles trying to receive even the most basic medical services, whether due to insurance issues, financial constraints, or other systemic barriers. My study abroad experience deeply inspired this passion by exposing me firsthand to different healthcare systems and the diverse challenges communities encounter worldwide. It reinforced for me the importance of making healthcare not only more accessible but also more culturally relevant. I’m committed to finding ways to make healthcare more accessible, not only by treating disease but also by focusing on prevention. I’m equally interested in community health and how healthcare systems can align with the unique cultural and local contexts they serve. Drawing inspiration from and aiming to contribute to international models that prioritize prevention, health education, and local empowerment, I believe it’s crucial to empower communities and ensure care is meaningfully adapted for them. Supporting community-lead health initiatives feels like one of the most direct ways to create positive change. By collaborating with and learning from international partners, I hope to help build stronger, more inclusive health systems globally.
Much of my personal growth has come from hands-on experiences, particularly internships in city health departments in the US and at regional hospitals in Japan, which have brought my attention to the realities of patient care and the interconnected system behind the scenes. My interaction with patients, healthcare professionals, and public health workers reinforced that healthcare relies on collaboration, not just on one individual. It also made me realize that behind every medical treatment, there are broader economic, political, and social dynamics influencing how care is delivered. Witnessing decisions about hospital management, government involvement, and resource allocation gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges and disparities that can exist in healthcare. As a result, I’ve become more perceptive of health inequities and more determined to advocate for health as a human right, working to close gaps in care between different communities. This journey has helped me view the medical profession as not only a technical field, but as a place for meaningful advocacy, conversations, and positive social change.