Fulfilling Dreams for Global Health: Ms. Nguyen's Journey as a SEAOHUN Scholar

Master of Public Health-Global Health program, Thammasat University, Thailand

2021-2022 academic year, graduated on September 2022

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen received SEAOHUN scholarship with funding support from USAID One Health Workforce-Next Generation Project (OHW-NG) to study Master of Public Health-Global Health program, Thammasat University, Thailand in 2021-2022 academic year. For Ms. Nguyen, the Master of Public Health in Global Health program at Thammasat University has been a sincerely enriching experience, equipping her with valuable insights and a polished set of skills for her future career. She highlights the importance of understanding the determinants of health beyond direct causes, encompassing cultural, educational, and community factors. This understanding aids in the development and implementation of effective and cost-saving health plans. The program has also provided her with knowledge in using diagrams and models to synthesize factors affecting specific health issues, emphasizing their varying levels of impact.

“This field of study is not only my personal dream, but it is really a meaningful program, and I look forward to having the opportunity to apply what I have learned in this field to help more people, bring value for more people, for the community, especially those working in public health” - Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen, SEAOHUN 2022 Scholar

The comprehensive curriculum offered, which Ms. Nguyen particularly notes, covers public health nutrition, environmental health, globalization, migration, disease control, political economy, human security, and human rights. The program also imparts skills in disease epidemiology investigation, qualitative research, program development, planning, evaluation, and monitoring. Notably, the program offers practical experiences in teamwork, multicultural environments, and virtual work settings.

Acknowledging the support from SEAOHUN, Ms. Nguyen considers her pursuit of a master's degree in public health to be a personal dream with substantial societal value. She aspires to return to Vietnam and contribute to the field of One Health and public health as a university lecturer, sharing her knowledge with future generations. She also aims to participate in community projects, gaining insights into specific population groups' health determinants and proposing timely intervention strategies. Ms. Nguyen sincere willingness to work with NGOs and multinational organizations to contribute to global public health and the goal of achieving herd immunity also speaks volumes.

Throughout her studies in Thailand, she values the learning opportunities and commits to honing her knowledge and skills to contribute to the youth and the organization's mission of enhancing One Health capabilities to effectively combat emerging threats in a collaborative manner. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. program in public health in the future, enabling her to create greater change in pursuit of a more integrated and impactful global health network.