Student Voice - Marafa Labib Mohammed

I am a medical doctor with an M.B.B.S. degree from Jilin Medical University, currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at HKU. My journey in healthcare began during my medical studies in China, followed by a meaningful internship at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya where I gained firsthand experience in clinical practice in real world settings and developed a deep interest in global health challenges. 

The decision to pursue an MPH stemmed from my desire to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and population health. During my time at Kenyatta National Hospital, I observed various systematic healthcare challenges that required solutions beyond individual patient care. This experience inspired me to begin research on youth health in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to understand broader health patterns and their implications. 

Receiving the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship has been a significant milestone in my academic journey. This prestigious award has not only provided financial support but also validated my commitment to advancing public health initiatives. The fellowship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the MPH programme, where I can leverage my clinical background while developing new perspectives on healthcare systems. What I enjoy most about the MPH program, besides the impactful friends and colleagues I have met, is its comprehensive approach to understanding health challenges, directly relevant to my chosen concentration (PHP-CPHC). The program's emphasis on research methodology and evidence based practice aligns perfectly with my ongoing research interests in youth health patterns and lifestyle factors in Africa, in addition to my interest in the social and physical wellbeing of the livelihood of elders in a society. 

Upon my graduation, I aspire to further combine my clinical expertise with public health knowledge to address healthcare challenges across the world in a multitude of contexts. My background in both direct patient care and research positions me uniquely to contribute to global health initiatives. I aim to continue my research work while implementing evidence - based interventions that can improve healthcare delivery systems, particularly in underserved communities.