Health Care Access

Isabelle Duong wearing her graduation gown

Childhood challenges shape public health advocate's inspiring journey

Isabelle Duong, BS ’24

As a child—as young as 9—Isabelle Duong was thrust into the complexities of healthcare systems. Both of her parents are Vietnamese refugees who fled during the Vietnam War, and navigating the American and Canadian healthcare systems for her mother, who battles lupus, fell on Duong. The experience not only had a great influence on her views of public health but also encouraged her to champion student voices on public health issues.

Irving Suarez

Transforming public health research into real-world impact

Irving Suarez, MPH ’25

Irving Suarez is committed to ensuring that public health research translates into meaningful action. As a student earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he is motivated by the desire to apply research findings to real-world problems, ensuring “they don’t just gather dust on shelves.”

Dr. Richard Slusher

Former US Army doctor pursuing global health impact

Richard Slusher, MPH ’25

Dr. Richard Slusher, a partner at an orthopedic practice in North Carolina, was looking beyond the examination rooms he now uses, beyond the digitized patient files and the technology on hand when he chose to enroll in the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences.

Bhaavna Yalavarthi

Ambitious senior tackles health disparities and criminal justice reform

Bhaavna Yalavarthi, BA ’25

Bhaavna Yalavarthi's resumé rivals those of graduate students who have spent many more years at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. That’s because the senior has packed a lot into her four years. As an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Global Public Health, Yalavarthi has gone above and beyond to demonstrate her commitment to public health, criminal justice reform and policy advocacy.

Amina Dada

Ready to transform healthcare for patients

Amina Dada, MHSA ’25

For Amina Dada, the calling to devote her life to the healthcare profession did not come during a presentation by a high school guidance counselor, or from the desire to follow the footsteps of a relative who is a physician or a nurse. Her inspiration originated much closer to home. As a youth, Dada had watched her parents, immigrants from Pakistan, struggle with the complexities of navigating the healthcare system. Her late father was a two-time heart transplant recipient.

Kate Monti

Health tech founder builds on public health roots to increase access to care

Kate Monti, MPH/MSW ’17

Attending a women’s entrepreneurship event while in graduate school helped launch alumna Kate Monti’s career in digital health and entrepreneurship. Monti, who earned a dual master’s degree in Public Health and Social Work in 2017, is the founder and president of Avela Health.