Health Communication

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.

Lauren Czarnowczan, left, talks to a San Antonio community member

San Antonio PHAST trip bridges theory with practice

Public Health Action Support Team

In addition to the annual spring break trip to Grenada, PHAST provides students at the University of Michigan School of Public Health with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to real-world public health challenges domestically each May.

adriana tejada

Winston Scholar plans to use health communication for change

Adriana Tejada

Adriana Tejada has transformed firsthand observations of health disparities in her community into a mission for change. Learn how she plans to leverage her online MPH studies and the prestigious Winston Scholarship to bridge communication gaps in public health and empower her community. Adriana reflects on her experience as a Winston Scholar, connecting with health policy leaders and envisioning a future where she serves as a health 'translator' for the diverse communities she holds dear.

Scott Holcomb

Policymaker earns MPH seeking better health outcomes for his state

Scott Holcomb

Seeing a pattern of poor health outcomes, Georgia State Representative Scott Holcomb wanted to do more to improve health policy in his state. Holcomb describes how he’s since become a better legislator, and a better leader, through his training in public health.