Thomas Cordon

What inspired you to study public health?

What inspired me to study public health is the multifaceted approach involved in solving health problems in a community. As an undergraduate I studied environmental science and had a strong interest in promoting healthy living environments for the underprivileged. As a student in public health I am learning the potential of environmental health to help the most vulnerable; this is what motivates me every step of the way.

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

The single most rewarding experience was traveling to the Dominican Republic during spring break, 2014 to conduct public health outreach. Serving the impoverished communities there opened my eyes to how impactful public health can be in indigent places. In America we seldom notice what public health does. However, in lesser developed countries with insufficient public health systems a small public health effort can go a long way, even to the point of saving human lives.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out in public health?

Prioritize resourcefulness. Most often we already have the tools we need for any endeavor. Resourcefulness and education can help you access them.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that the public health field should be focusing on?

Let’s focus more on preventative healthcare.