The Heroism of Public Health by Moksha

The Heroism of Public Health by Moksha - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

Ask a doctor what their major was in college, and you would probably hear a major in the field of the sciences. Ask many different doctors the same question, you will likely hear a couple majors not related to the sciences, still with an overwhelming majority of science majors.

“Oh, I took biochemistry.”

“I took chemistry in undergrad.”

“In college, I majored in neuroscience.”

“I majored in biology with a minor in psychology.”

The truth is that while students can apply to medical school no matter their major, many still take biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, etc. Students cite reasons including how prerequisites are covered through their science majors, they will be more prepared for medical school, and they have back-up careers to go into if medical school does not work out. If those are the main goals and science of all kinds is an interest, then science major choices are very reasonable. However, while there is so much to learn from the sciences regarding life, I believe there is a lot to learn from the public health major. It shares information that is useful for going into the healthcare system, not just about the nervous system and cells. It is crucial to know the social aspects of healthcare, how diseases can be prevented and controlled, and how healthcare affects different, diverse groups of people depending on their economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Healthcare is currently focused on treating symptoms rather than the cause, and doctors learning more about these things can help improve the system.

Let me volunteer at farmers markets, food pantries, and trash clean-up days! The experiences will aid in sharing many aspects of public health that are related to different communities. Is it not better for people to know more about nutrition access, services, and the healthcare system that takes care of them? Majoring in public health will help me a better understanding physician, and can help others empathize with patients, as well as be more understanding. There is always more to learn, and my goal is to learn more about the communities and populations of our healthcare system. I know I will be humbled about what I think I know compared to the whole picture, but I am sure that will be a refreshing experience!