Beyond the Classroom: Lessons from the Field in San Antonio
Suranjan Bantupalli
1st Year MPH Epidemiology Student
Spending a week in San Antonio’s Westside was a deeply immersive experience - one that challenged my assumptions, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my commitment to public health. As I reflect on my time there, I realize how much I have learned, not just about health disparities and social determinants of health, but also about myself and the skills I need to develop as a public health professional.
Before the trip, I had studied health disparities and systemic barriers in coursework, but seeing these issues unfold in real-time made them far more tangible. Conducting surveys and focus groups with community members helped me understand how policies and economic conditions shape individual health choices. Many residents expressed frustration over limited healthcare options, high costs, and a lack of trust in the system. One moment that stood out was a conversation with a community member managing diabetes who struggled to visit a physician of their choice. It reinforced how health isn’t just about medical interventions - it’s about access, resources.
Our windshield tour further highlighted these disparities. The contrast between different neighborhoods was striking—some had grocery stores, parks, and well-maintained streets, while others lacked basic infrastructure or poor infrastructure. This experience made me realize how much environmental and economic conditions contribute to health outcomes.
One unexpected challenge was conducting a survey with a community member who did not speak English or Spanish. Without a common language, I initially struggled to communicate, but I quickly adapted by using gestures and Google Voice Translator to bridge the gap. While the process was slow, the participant appreciated the effort, and we successfully completed the survey.
This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and technology in public health. It also made me more aware of language barriers in healthcare access, inspiring me to explore ways public health initiatives can be more inclusive for linguistically diverse communities.
This field experience introduced me to new public health techniques, data collection methods, and community engagement strategies. Beyond the technical skills of conducting surveys and focus groups, I also learned how to navigate ethical and cultural considerations when working with vulnerable populations. These are skills that will directly benefit my career, especially as I pursue opportunities in health equity research, epidemiology, and community-based interventions.
This trip was more than just a field experience; it was a transformative learning opportunity. It challenged my perspectives, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and deepened my understanding of how systemic inequities shape health outcomes.
I leave this experience with a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger skill set, and an eagerness to continue learning. Public health is about more than statistics - it’s about people, their stories, and the work required to create meaningful change. And now, more than ever, I am ready to be part of that work.