Alumni
Course: 2023-2024
I am 28-year-old originally from Brussels, Belgium. My medical journey took me to Milan, Italy, where I completed my medical degree. Today, I am in the third year of my medical residency in General Practice, in Lisbon, Portugal. My passion for global health extends beyond the boundaries of primary care. My experiences span diverse settings, from providing medical services to refugees in Lesbos, Greece, to delivering primary healthcare in remote regions of Mozambique. In Lisbon, alongside my residency, I have volunteered with Doctors of the World, tending to the healthcare needs of individuals experiencing homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am currently running a project offering medical support to female sex workers. In addition to my dedication to medicine, I find joy in exploring different corners of the globe through my travels and through the practice of yoga.
“Embarking on the Master of Global Health program has proven to be a truly enriching experience, providing me with the tools to achieve key objectives in identifying, understanding, and addressing global health challenges. Throughout this educational journey, I have acquired a deep understanding of the diverse sources of health data. This knowledge not only helps in identifying problems but also serves as a guide for developing effective research strategies and for monitoring and evaluation, ultimately contributing to the formulation of informed health policies. Gaining proficiency in the pillars of epidemiology and statistics has equipped me with a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. This academic background positions me to actively engage in research, a crucial aspect of my professional role as a physician. Additionally, with the program I have significantly improved essential skills such as global health advocacy and effective communication, which are key competencies in the NGO environment I work within.
With the program I have indeed developed a new vision in global health, understanding the expansiveness of this multisectoral field, which transcends the conventional boundaries of health sciences. I have come to recognize the absolute necessity of an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach that involves collaboration with various sectors to address inequities in a “doable, sustainable, cost-effective, and fair manner”.
This vision underscores an increased awareness of the importance of anthropology, emphasizing the need to intimately understand the context and communities for tailored care. Lastly, I have gained insights into the concept of inclusive health and the imperative need to address the “causes of the causes” to align with the pursuit of the sustainable development goals.
Guided by a commitment to achieving health equity and armed with the knowledge that I have acquired with the program, I am motivated to fostering change in my field of work. As a primary healthcare provider in Portugal, my role as the initial point of contact within the healthcare system positions me well to identify domestic disparities in health and their determinants, particularly in marginalized communities. My work with an NGO that provides care for sex workers has given me invaluable insights into the causes leading to a higher burden of sexually transmitted infections, along with increased rates of violence, drug use and mental disorders within this community. This hands-on field experience has enhanced my motivation to conduct further research focused on marginalized populations, assessing the impact of policies, including the criminalization or the regulation of sex work for example, and guiding the development of effective programs capable of nurturing and empowering stigmatized communities. Through my work, I have seen first-hand how committed and fair field work, supported by independent research, can make a real difference and improve the health care and ultimately the quality of life of marginalised communities. I am strongly motivated to continue identifying problems through research while advocating for evidence-based policies, which are an integral part of my global health goals”.
My future engagement in Global Health
Looking towards the future, I envision a role as a general practitioner and global health practitioner and advocate. In this capacity, I aim to work with multidisciplinary teams to implement health interventions specifically tailored to the unique needs of marginalized communities. Equipped with the knowledge to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies, my goal is to significantly enhance health outcomes for these populations.
I would also like to go beyond national borders, as I am driven and excited to contribute to the establishment of robust, integrated and multi-disciplinary primary care structures in lower-income countries. I am fully aware of the key role of access to proper healthcare in the sustainable development of populations. This only makes me more determined to contribute to the mission of Global Health, by making healthcare accessible and equitable for all.