Neave Garland

What inspired you to study public health?

I stumbled across public health actually. I started my bachelor’s with a direct pathway to medicine and I thought public health sounded interesting and that it would complement being a doctor. However, I soon fell in love with public health as I realized I can help more than just one individual, there are ways to improve the health of groups or even whole communities. Whatever field in public health I choose to work there is potential to have a lasting impression to improve society.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far?

The most rewarding experience I have had in my studies so far was traveling to Pokhara, Nepal, and working with a local NGO and university on an established project in rural mountain communities. The project was based around water and sanitation health principles, and it was so rewarding to put into practice the principles I had learned in the classroom into practice and have a real-life impact on someone’s life.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

I hope to one day build an organization that provides comprehensive sexual and consent education to rural students in Australia. Growing up in a small town I know that there is a gap in our education system.

Advice:

Don’t get pigeonholed! There are so many different avenues and areas of public health. Don’t be afraid to try something new when an opportunity arises.