Bridging World's: Exploring Asthma Education as an International Public Health Student
Shravani Gummaraju
1st Year MPH Epidemiology Candidate
As I prepare to embark on a transformative journey to Texas for the course PUBLIC HEALTH 615 PUBLIC HEALTH IN ACTION (Texas), I find myself filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a hint of nervousness. My name is Shravani Gummaraju, and I am a first-year Master in Public Health student in the General Epidemiology department.
The opportunity to immerse myself in hands-on applied learning through direct involvement in population health research, translation, and development is exhilarating. Looking forward to the dynamic learning experience.
I will be working on the development and implementation of a Community Health Worker Training Program for Asthma Education in the San Antonio Metro Health region. This project holds particular significance for me as I have previously developed Public Health Education materials for ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers in India, and I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to a new context. The opportunity to collaborate with CHWs in the US and address gaps in asthma education presents an exciting challenge that I am ready to embrace.
While I feel prepared and enthusiastic about the journey ahead, I also acknowledge the nervousness that comes with stepping into unfamiliar territory. As an international student, I am mindful of the importance of building connections and fostering understanding within the community. However, my passion for community engagement in public health and my previous experiences working with CHWs in India fill me with confidence and determination to make a meaningful impact.
I am eager to explore the differences and similarities between public health practices in India and the US to better understand the role of CHWs in disease prevention and to delve deeper into the dynamics of CHW-public-doctor relationships. Most importantly, I am excited to reconnect with the essence of public health that drew me to this field in the first place - the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.