Introduction
This personal statement reflects a journey from Hungary to the United States, illustrating a passion for public health and a commitment to addressing pressing healthcare issues. It serves as a comprehensive example for those looking to transition into public health research, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
Personal Statement
Motivation and Aspirations
The University of ____ is my first choice among doctoral programs in Public Health for a variety of reasons. Most of all, I am most attracted to and firmly believe that I fully share your mission to train and mentor interdisciplinary public health researchers as I aspire to become. The values and motto of Uof_, 'Driven by doing’, resonates with me to the very core of my being. I very much appreciate how the program’s attention is focused on addressing the needs of the locality, and the research taking place generally engages with the community. My husband and I also like ____ and its rich heritage in both history and culture, which had an impact on not just the United States but the whole world.
Background and Professional Journey
Born and raised in Hungary, I became a pharmacist and a naturalized citizen in the United Kingdom. Now, I am seeking to retool and advance my career in the USA, where I am happily married to an American man who brought me here. We have been together for almost eight years, first in Scotland, then I decided to accompany him home to America where I have grown more comfortable with each passing day. A registered pharmacist with experience in the UK, I was very attached to the neighborhood that I served in Scotland. Thus, in coming to America, I took the time to reflect on how I best wanted to serve my new community. Indeed, I had to rework the very idea of ‘community’ in my mind as well as how I wanted to invest the balance of my professional lifetime. I decided on Public Health for a broad variety of reasons, spiritual, moral, scientific, and professional.
Transition to Public Health
I aspire to now utilize the many related or relevant skills that I have developed as a pharmacist, to give all to a full immersion experience in Epidemiology, earning the terminal degree in my chosen field. I want to develop the skill sets and credentials that I need to make my maximum contribution to America and the world as a Public Health professional. I see my future research as geared towards the prevention of public health issues as well as meeting the emergent needs and concerns arising from crises and potential crises.
Academic and Research Background
I began studying Public Health in Pharmacy School. My research and Thesis represented the synthesis of Schiff Bases, especially the investigation of their antimicrobial properties. I was motivated by the urgent need to discover novel antibiotics due to increasing levels of resistance developing to many existing ones. Earning the Ph.D. in Epidemiology will enable me to return to full-time research into these kinds of burning issues of the day, maximizing my contribution to both Pharmacy and Public Health.
Community Engagement and Future Goals
I seek lifetime immersion in the identification of infectious disease outbreaks before they threaten to become a pandemic, preparing effective responses as early as possible. Constantly speaking the ‘language’ of other healthcare professionals, scientists and the people is what will bring me the greatest joy, working side-by-side with bright minds and dedicated hearts from a broad variety of disciplines, all with the common goal of safeguarding public health and well-being. What I have learned so far about pharmaceutical science and how it is related to research in Public Health will enable and inspire me to hit the ground running in your program from day one and excel as a most dedicated researcher operating upon a sound academic and professional foundation.
Standing at the center of my research aspirations, are communities that tend to be overlooked, underserved, and especially vulnerable for a broad variety of reasons. This will lead me to the kind of complex mysteries that surround life and death in today’s world, to which I find myself inextricably drawn. As a pharmacist, I have most enjoyed my engagement with the community and have grown pleasantly accustomed to working effectively with people from all walks of life. Now, I want to give my all to research to impact whole societies or large segments of those societies - rather than individuals. I am especially well-read concerning the connection between obesity and chronic disease and dedicated to ethical decision-making, advocacy, integrity, meeting professional standards, and continuous professional development.
Personal and Professional Background
I finished my Master of Pharmacy Degree in 2017, at ____ University in Aberdeen, Scotland. In the UK, this is a terminal degree, and I am pleased to have become a registered pharmacist, practicing in that lovely society for several years.
Inspiration and Broader Perspective
My interest in pharmacy began when a close relative of mine was diagnosed with cancer and, because of treatment, including chemotherapy, went into remission. Consequently, early on, I developed a deep fascination with the complex processes involved in the individual’s reaction to medication. Previously, I had worked for several years as a flight attendant and a flight planner before becoming a pharmacist; thus, I am well-traveled and well-read in the areas of international relations and social/cultural issues. I am also very concerned with the way that an already horrific global inequality is becoming worse each day, largely exacerbated by the pandemic, with suffering and death tending to be concentrated in marginalized and impoverished communities, along color lines.
Research Interests and Community Impact
____ has high rates of obesity, infant mortality, teen pregnancy, and poverty. Therefore, I feel that I have selected a program that will help me to focus on where my talents can best serve the community. I hope to complete a research project on the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases (cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer) and how to best overcome disparities to improve morbidity and mortality rates, especially among the vulnerable.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Thank you for considering my application.
Summary: Why This is a Good Personal Statement
This personal statement is impactful because it:
Highlights a Unique International Background: The author’s journey from Hungary to the UK and then to the USA adds a rich cultural perspective.
Demonstrates a Clear Transition to Public Health: The statement effectively communicates the transition from pharmacy to public health, emphasizing the applicant’s dedication to community-based research.
Showcases Relevant Experience and Research: The detailed discussion of past research and professional experience demonstrates a strong foundation in the field.
Focuses on Community Engagement: The commitment to working with underserved and vulnerable communities aligns with the core values of public health.
Articulates Specific Research Interests: The author outlines clear research goals, particularly concerning chronic diseases and health disparities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should a public health personal statement include?
A public health personal statement should include your motivations for pursuing the field, relevant experience, research interests, and how you plan to contribute to public health.
How can international experience benefit a public health career?
What makes a personal statement for public health stand out?
PHD Public Health Personal Statement Examples