Shamiso Zihumo, BS
This year’s APHA meeting and expo was undeniably an eye-opening and life-altering experience. At the Maternal and Child Health Town Hall meeting, Dr. Magda Peck reiterated the phrase “the Urgency of Now!” highlighting the importance of maintaining an optimistic perspective in the field of public health during these trying times. This phrase stuck with me throughout the duration of the conference and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. Public health is also about connection and from that moment on, I connected with so many amazing organizations, schools, and researchers that exposed me to so many facets within public health, more than I could even imagine.
I’ve always had an interest in history, and more recently how policies implemented over time effect Black people’s health and their relationship with the healthcare system. My favorite session I attended “Effects of Racism, Colonialism, and White Supremacy on the Health Status of African Americans” seamlessly integrated my my interests in public health and history. Though each speaker had different research topics, each one emphasized ties this country has to systemic racism and the domino effect of these policies on disparities in health. One of the most memorable moments hearing about the legacy of Henrietta Lacks from her grandson, Alfred Lacks Carter Jr., who reminded us that his grandmother along with many Black Americans, often involuntarily, have made remarkable contributions to medical advancements.
Overall, this conference showed me that there are truly no limits within public health. Yes, there is a sense of urgency needed to move forward and progress, but it is equally important to recognize all contributions and legacies that have gotten us to this point. It’s important to stop and take a step back and look at what we’ve done to get a better idea of what we need to do moving forward. That is what public health is about and though news headliners may make it seem like this is the end, this is only the beginning.
Shamiso Zihumo, BS, is a first-year MPH student concentrating in Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences with a sub-specialization in Maternal and Child Health. Her research interests range from women’s health, specifically benign gynecologic conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, to racial disparities in maternal care and sexual health. After earning her MPH, Shamiso plans to continue pursuing research and gaining clinical experience as she applies to medical school, intending to specialize in OBGYN or family medicine.
