Global Connections CUGH 2022

Last month, DNP students Rika Win Kemp and Thrisann Weathers joined CON Director for Global Health and Associate Professor Dr. Suparna Qanungo to forge new connections and perspectives during the Consortium of Universities in Global Health (CUGH) 2022 virtual conference, an incredible opportunity for students to interact with global health experts and peers while examining worldwide issues of health and social justice. Falks-Griffin Global Health Endowment funds made the experience possible for CON’s students. Each student shared their thoughts about this meaningful, enriching endeavor.

Rika Win Kemp, PMHNP DNP student

Why was this global health conference experience meaningful to you?
The global health conference was an eye-opening experience, and I enjoyed listening to the top experts in the field. I love attending conferences because it always re-ignites my “why” for being in the healthcare profession. It is incredible to see so many scholars passionately talking about their healthcare platforms and serving in a socially just way.

What did you learn from attending?
I have gained a wealth of knowledge and will bring these ideas into my own practice. I appreciated the candor from the panelists and how we can use our experiences and obstacles to move forward and improve our global healthcare systems. Something that really stuck with me is this quote by Madhukar Pai MD, PhD: “Global Health is Broken, But Young People Plan To Repair It.”

Thrisann Weathers, FNP DNP student

Why was this global health conference experience meaningful to you?
This global health conference was meaningful to me because I wanted to learn from experts in global health about how to improve on the health of people everywhere. Being from a country that is considered low-income, I have seen the effects of inequalities in healthcare. This has sparked my passion to move the needle in a way that makes healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.

What did you learn from attending?
One thing I learned from this conference is that global health does not start in a foreign land but starts right where you are. I asked for advice about that to do as a young professional just staring out and the answer I received was “find a problem in your community and fix it… get others involved.” I took this piece of advice away from the conference as a rallying cry to propel me into the actual work that is required to make people healthier everywhere.