Sustainable Solutions for Underserved Communities: Piyush Singla BSPH '25
School and Major: Bloomberg School of Public Health, Masters of Public Health
Graduation Date: May 2025
Can you discuss how being an IAS Officer influenced your life at JHU?
Being an IAS officer has deeply shaped my experience at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). My years in public service developed a strong sense of responsibility and purpose, which now drives my engagement with JHU’s academic and policy-focused environment. With extensive experience in policy implementation, I bring a practical perspective to theoretical discussions, particularly in areas like health systems and digital health. The international exposure at JHU also encourages me to compare global and local solutions, enriching my understanding and refining my approach to solving public health challenges back in India.
Why did you choose JHU, and what’s next for you?
I chose Johns Hopkins University because it’s globally renowned as a leader in public health, offering unmatched expertise and resources. Receiving the World Bank Scholarship was instrumental in enabling this journey, allowing me to deepen my knowledge in health economics and digital health—both critical to advancing healthcare policy in India. My goal is to return to the Government of India, leveraging this experience to contribute at policy levels. I aim to drive impactful changes in health systems, focusing on sustainable, tech-driven solutions for underserved communities.
What skills are you learning at Hopkins that will be of value your whole life?
At Hopkins, I’m gaining skills that will be valuable for life. Analytical thinking in health economics and policy equips me to tackle real-world challenges. I’m learning to approach complex problems with a systems-thinking mindset, essential for creating sustainable solutions. Practical skills in digital health and data management are preparing me to leverage technology in impactful ways. Plus, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds has taught me how to work effectively across cultures and sectors—a huge asset for public health and policy work back in India..
What unique experiences or achievements have shaped your educational journey so far?
My educational journey has been shaped by 13 years as an IAS officer, where I gained hands-on experience in public policy and healthcare. Leading projects to improve healthcare access in Jammu and Kashmir earned me the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, reinforcing my commitment to public service. With a World Bank Scholarship supporting my MPH at Johns Hopkins, I’m combining this experience with advanced training in health systems, economics, and digital health.
Beyond academics, Hopkins has provided invaluable insights into U.S. culture through interactions with an inspiring faculty and a global peer group. These diverse exchanges have expanded my perspectives on public health, equipping me with a broader understanding of the complexities involved in creating effective policy solutions. This exposure further enhances my commitment to applying these skills and insights back home for impactful change.
Clubs or Organizations: RA position at Centre for Global Digital Health and Innovation
Are there any professors that have made a lasting impact on you?
Several professors at Johns Hopkins have had a profound impact on me. With her humble and meticulous approach, Dr. Marie Diener-West has been exceptionally supportive, especially for new international students. Her dedication to helping others truly stands out. Dr. Amita Gupta’s commitment to global health through her work at the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute is equally inspiring, especially her focus on cross-border collaboration. Professor Joshua Sharfstein’s insights on public health policy have broadened my understanding of sustainable solutions. Their guidance will undoubtedly shape my academic path at Hopkins and my future professional journey.