Why I Chose Public Health

I have been driven by a passion for improving the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities. This desire has led me to pursue a career in public health. In this essay, I will outline the reasons why I chose public health as my field of study and how I believe it aligns with my values and aspirations.

One of the primary reasons I chose public health is its inherent focus on social justice. Public health recognizes that health disparities exist due to various social determinants, including socioeconomic status, race, and access to healthcare. By addressing these underlying factors, public health strives to create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.

I firmly believe that health is a fundamental human right, and it should not be determined by one's background or circumstances. Public health offers me the platform and tools to challenge the status quo, advocate for marginalized groups, and work towards eliminating health disparities.

Another aspect that attracted me to public health is its interdisciplinary nature. Public health encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to explore and understand health issues from various angles.

I find great value in the intersectionality of different disciplines, as it enables a comprehensive understanding of complex health challenges. By collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds, I can leverage their expertise and perspectives to develop innovative and effective solutions for public health issues. This interdisciplinary nature of public health ensures that I am constantly learning, adapting, and broadening my knowledge base.

Choosing public health also stems from my desire to make a tangible impact on individuals and communities. Public health interventions have the power to save lives, prevent diseases, and improve overall well-being on a large scale. It is not merely about providing immediate treatment but rather focusing on prevention and health promotion.

By working in public health, I can contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of health issues. Whether it is designing preventive programs, conducting research on emerging diseases, or advocating for policy changes, public health allows me to translate my passion into concrete actions that positively influence the lives of others.

Public health also offers a global perspective, which resonates deeply with my personal experiences and aspirations. The interconnectedness of health transcends national boundaries, making it crucial to consider global health issues with a holistic approach.

I have witnessed firsthand the impact of health disparities in developing countries during volunteer experiences abroad. These experiences have motivated me to address global health inequities and work towards empowering communities to achieve better health outcomes.

Public health equips me with the skills and knowledge to address challenges in both local and global contexts. It allows me to engage in meaningful work that transcends borders and contribute to the well-being of diverse populations.

Lastly, I chose public health because it is a field that is constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and discoveries. The emergence of new diseases, advancements in technology, and changing societal dynamics necessitate ongoing innovation in public health.

I am drawn to the dynamic nature of public health, as it requires continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. This ever-evolving landscape presents exciting opportunities for me to contribute to emerging fields such as digital health, genomics, and health informatics.

By choosing public health, I am embarking on a journey of lifelong learning and growth, where I can actively contribute to the generation of new knowledge and drive positive change.

In summary, I chose public health because it aligns with my values of social justice and equity, offers interdisciplinary collaboration, provides opportunities for tangible impact, presents a global perspective, and embraces the constant evolution of the field. Public health offers me the platform to address pressing health issues and work towards creating a healthier, more equitable society. I am eager to harness my passion, skills, and knowledge in public health to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.