London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

After completing my MSc in One Health at LSHTM and RVC in September 2024, I embarked on a new adventure in November 2024 - joining the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANFTOSA), a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization centre for technical cooperation in veterinary public health in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as an Epidemiological Intern. "Why an internship?" many ask, especially since it doesn't contribute to academic credit. For me, the answer is simple. Beyond fulfilling a lifelong dream - because who wouldn’t want to intern with the United Nations? - I saw this as an opportunity to keep learning in a professional setting where I'm still mentored as a young professional but now equipped with real-world experience to apply and build upon.

MSc One Health prepared me for the opportunity

Since arriving at PANAFTOSA, I have uncovered meaningful connections that highlight the far-reaching impact of my academic journey at LSHTM & RVC studying MSc One Health. My mentors and colleagues share professional and educational ties that trace back to both institutions, reinforcing the value of those experiences.

These links - spanning former supervisors, professors, and past students - illustrate the enduring influence of academic networks and the unexpected ways they shape professional paths. 

Working in a One Health setting can be complex and, at times, daunting. The challenge of grasping intricate epidemiological relationships and analysing large datasets initially felt overwhelming. However, through my coursework and summer project, I learned to navigate this complexity. Rather than striving to fully "overcome" it, I have come to embrace it as an opportunity for continuous learning - an approach that truly defines epidemiology. These experiences trained me to approach uncertainty with curiosity rather than hesitation, to break down complex problems into manageable components, and to recognise that no single discipline holds all the answers. 

From a technical standpoint, my coursework provided a foundation in epidemiological and data analysis methods. I gained hands-on experience in spatial analysis using GIS and developed coding skills in R, allowing me to analyse disease trends, interpret surveillance data, and assess outbreak responses - critical tools for working in an epidemiological setting.

Finally, the international nature of LSHTM & RVC exposed me to a diverse network of students and faculty from around the world. Engaging with professionals from different backgrounds broadened my understanding of public health challenges across various regions, making it easier to adapt to an international working environment like PAHO in Brazil. 

Exposure to a wealth of knowledge outside classrooms

LSHTM and RVC have played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations and deepening my interest in public health. Their strong international standing and global collaborations exposed me to a vast network of experts, research initiatives, and public health challenges beyond my initial scope. Being part of institutions that actively contribute to global health policymaking and research reinforced my desire to work in an international setting where I can have a tangible impact.

The diverse student and faculty body further enriched my experience, allowing me to engage with perspectives from different cultural and professional backgrounds. Discussions in class and group projects constantly challenged me to think beyond my own experiences and consider how public health issues manifest in different regions. 

This exposure broadened my understanding of epidemiology, policy implementation, and health system dynamics across the world, preparing me to work effectively in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams. 

Finally, the wide range of courses at LSHTM and RVC allowed me to explore various facets of public health, from epidemiology to health economics. This comprehensive education not only helped me understand the breadth of opportunities within the field but also equipped me with the ability to integrate different disciplines and methodologies. I now have a clearer vision of how I can contribute to public health, particularly in epidemiology and One Health, and how I can tie together my skills and interests to address complex health challenges on a global scale. 

My piece of advice

Easy - just go for it! As Norman Vincent Peale put it: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars." 

• More from Alexandra: From cholera dreams to malaria realities: My journey to finding the perfect summer project
• Contact Alexandra via our contact student ambassador page.
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