Transitioning from Pediatric Care to Public Health Leadership: Naveen Anaswara
A career in medicine often reveals the deep connections between individual health and community well-being. Many health care professionals find their calling not just in treating patients but in addressing broader public health challenges. The transition from clinical practice to public health leadership allows them to impact policies, lead health initiatives, and respond to crises, driving meaningful change in their communities.
In this GKII Alumni Spotlight, we feature Dr. Naveen Anaswara, a Fulbright scholar for 2023-24, a recent MPH graduate from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a young public health leader. Dr. Anaswara’s career is marked by his frontline work during significant health crises, including the Nipah virus and COVID-19 outbreaks, and his leadership as a District Program Manager at the National Health Mission in Calicut. His innovative approaches to child health and his dedication to improving healthcare policies have had a profound impact on the communities he serves.
Could you share a bit about your early career? What led you to become a pediatrician, and what inspired your transition to a role as a district program manager at the National Health Mission in Calicut?
I come from a rural region in Kerala, a coastal state at the southern tip of India. My early education took place in government-run schools, which laid the foundation for my future endeavors. After completing my medical and postgraduate studies in pediatrics at Government Medical College, Calicut, I entered the government healthcare sector. My passion for child health, nurtured during my medical school days, stems from a belief in the transformative power of early childhood interventions.
The 2018 Nipah virus outbreak was a pivotal moment in my public health career. The successful containment of the outbreak brought international recognition to Kerala’s health system and presented me with an opportunity to delve deeper into public health. Subsequently, I was appointed as the District Program Manager (DPM) for the National Health Mission Calicut.
A significant event that influenced my career trajectory involved a patient with a rare disease who faced challenges due to insufficient policy support. This experience further fueled my determination to transition into an administrative role where I could influence policy and improve healthcare outcomes. With this vision, I could implement many innovations especially in the area of child health in my district, Calicut.
Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the importance of integrating hands-on medical practice with strategic public health administration. My journey underscores the critical need for robust healthcare policies and effective management to address the diverse challenges in public health.
What motivated you to pursue an MPH at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health?
In the dynamic field of public health administration, the integration of academic knowledge and practical experience is crucial for effective management and innovation. Throughout my professional career, I have remained passionate about advancing my understanding of healthcare quality management. This passion was particularly ignited during my hands-on management of significant health crises, including the Nipah virus and COVID-19 outbreaks.
These experiences underscored the importance of formal education in enhancing my capabilities. My dedication and contributions to public health were recognized through the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru scholarship, an honor that catalyzed my decision to pursue a master’s degree in public health. I chose to further my education at the world’s leading institution in public health, renowned for its excellence and pioneering research.
This academic pursuit not only augments my practical experiences but also equips me with the latest knowledge and methodologies to tackle future public health challenges. By blending rigorous academic training with real-world experience, I aim to contribute more effectively to the advancement of global health systems and policies.
How has the Fulbright-Nehru scholarship impacted your personal and professional life? Can you share some specific opportunities that the Fulbright fellowship provided?
Preparing for the Fulbright scholarship was a profoundly enriching experience. The process of writing personal statements and other application documents sparked deep reflections on my passions and professional aspirations. This introspective journey not only clarified my goals but also significantly enhanced my English language skills.
The interview process was the most competitive challenge I had ever faced, yet it filled me with confidence and offered a unique platform to contemplate my professional journey and the personal influences that shaped it.
Receiving the Fulbright scholarship was not only a financial boon, covering my expenses during the course but also a monumental professional achievement.
The scholarship provided me with unparalleled exposure to diverse cultures from around the world, an experience that has profoundly enriched my life. The program also gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles, such as leading the Asia Pacific Public Health Network during my time on campus. This opportunity to engage with a global community and assume leadership responsibilities was instrumental in developing a more confident and resilient personality, both professionally and personally.
Through the Fulbright experience, I have gained the skills, insights, and confidence to embrace new challenges and contribute meaningfully to the field of public health.
What advice would you give to aspiring students who are considering applying for the Fulbright scholarship or pursuing a degree at Johns Hopkins?
For students with at least three years of practical experience and a passion for public health, the Fulbright scholarship presents a remarkable opportunity. Given the extensive application process, it is advisable to begin preparations at least one year before the admission deadlines. Detailed information and application deadlines can be found on the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) website.
Fulbright fellows are part of a global network of professionals across various fields, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. The Fulbright program is fundamentally a cultural exchange initiative, enriched by seminars and events organized by Fulbright during the fellows’ time in the U.S.
Johns Hopkins University, a strong supporter of the Fulbright program, is particularly conducive to Fulbright scholars, often providing additional financial support as needed. It’s important for aspirants to note that those on a J1 visa must complete a two-year home residency period in their home country before they can transition to a new visa status.
The Fulbright scholarship is not just a financial award but a comprehensive experience that fosters professional growth, cultural exchange, and global connections.
How can current JHU students make the most out of their time at Hopkins, especially those studying public health?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Johns Hopkins University is demanding, with a packed schedule that includes classes, capstone projects, and practicums. To make the most of this experience, it is crucial for students to focus on both personal and professional development from day one.
Networking is essential. Begin building your network early. The faculty at Hopkins are incredibly knowledgeable but often very busy, so it is important to schedule appointments well in advance. Engage with as many people as possible to gain diverse insights and experiences.
Time management is another key to success. The program includes numerous exams, assignments, and activities, and the educational system may be different from what you are accustomed to. Staying on top of your coursework and adhering to timelines is critical. Always keep track of deadlines and manage your schedule effectively.
Lastly, stress management is vital. Balancing the rigorous academic load with personal well-being is challenging but necessary. Attend conferences and gatherings, as these are excellent opportunities to expand your network. As one senior advised me, “We need only one advisor to change our life. So we don’t know who it will be!”—keep networking and listening to people.
By focusing on these three mantras—time management, networking, and stress management—you can navigate the MPH program successfully and make the most of your time at Johns Hopkins University.
You have served as the President of the Asia Pacific Public Health Network at Bloomberg School. How did this position come about, and what are your goals in this role?
Johns Hopkins University offers numerous opportunities to develop leadership qualities, and student organizations are prime platforms for this purpose. I strongly encourage students to participate in campus elections, as doing so can significantly enhance personality, insight, and professional connections.
During my time at Hopkins, I served as the President of the Asia Pacific Public Health Network (APPHN), an experience that opened many doors for me. This role allowed me to coordinate various programs and collaborations, enriching my leadership skills and expanding my network.
Over the past year, we successfully organized more than ten programs, including academic, cultural, and sports events, within a six-month period. A highlight was our visit to the UN headquarters, made possible with support from the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute.
Balancing these responsibilities, I was able to maintain the highest CGPA, underscoring the value of effective time management and commitment. This leadership experience is one of the most significant benefits I gained from my time at Johns Hopkins, providing invaluable skills and connections that will continue to shape my professional journey.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time at Johns Hopkins?
Baltimore offers numerous volunteering opportunities that enrich both the community and the volunteers themselves. One memorable day, I joined a community gardening project. Our teamwork was outstanding, and together we transformed a space into a beautiful garden. The community celebrated with music and dance, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the joy we brought to their lives.
Participating in such activities, alongside my academic commitments, led to my induction into the Delta Omega Honor Society—an unforgettable achievement in my campus life. This recognition underscored the importance of balancing academic excellence with community engagement and extracurricular involvement, demonstrating that true success encompasses both personal and communal growth.
What are your plans after completing your MPH, and how do you intend to apply your knowledge and experience in the field?
As I completed my MPH with a concentration in Health Systems and Policy Management and a certification in Global Health, my aspirations are becoming increasingly clear. My passion lies in global health, particularly within the realm of policy management.
My ultimate goal is to contribute to international health organizations, especially those within the United Nations system. I have a strong desire to focus on child health policies, as I believe that robust policies and programs for children are the backbone of a nation’s development.
I am committed to evidence-based program design, management, and evaluation. The skills and knowledge I have acquired during my MPH program will be invaluable in these future roles. By leveraging my expertise, I aim to develop and implement effective health policies that can improve outcomes for children worldwide and support the broader goals of global health organizations.
How do you envision the future of public health in India, and what role do you hope to play in it?
In the post-COVID era, public health has become a global priority, and India is no exception. As the country grapples with a significant burden of lifestyle diseases, it is imperative to formulate and implement new policies to address this crisis. Additionally, pandemic preparedness must be a top priority to mitigate the impact of potential future pandemics.
The key to advancing public health in India lies in robust, evidence-based research. Such research is crucial for the effective design, implementation, evaluation, and communication of successful public health programs. The ten domains of public health play a vital role in this process, ensuring comprehensive and well-rounded strategies.
I envision a future where public health is at the forefront of India’s development agenda.
My goal is to contribute to this vision by leveraging my expertise in health systems and policy management, focusing on evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes. Through dedicated efforts in research, policy formulation, and program implementation, I hope to play a significant role in shaping a healthier future for India.
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