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University of Michigan medical student Blake Hardin, who is also pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology, shares his medical school experience in this Q&A, focusing on his interests in disability health and advocacy, surgical outcomes research, medical education and ways to foster belonging at Michigan Medicine.
When Joshua Foster-Tucker’s wife suggested he apply to Michigan Public Health instead of attending medical school, neither could have predicted it would launch a passion for understanding infectious diseases. Now pursuing his PhD at Michigan Public Health, he studies respiratory viruses, including how they could accelerate immune system aging—research that could transform our understanding of health longevity. His journey, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, personal challenges and mentorship illustrates how meaningful career paths can emerge from unplanned moments of redirection.
An internship at a local health department further crystallized Laura Arboleda-Merino's interests in public health. She was no longer just interested in treating individual patients, but in understanding and addressing systemic health challenges. Her academic journey led her to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The transition wasn’t just about academic advancement but about finding a community that resonated with her interdisciplinary approach.
Even from a young age, Kalee Rumfelt, MPH ’21, PhD ’25, has always been fascinated by human genetics. Her path to obtaining a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, however, didn’t come without hurdles. Growing up in a low-income household near Detroit, Rumfelt faced significant financial challenges. Yet, she transformed those hardships into stepping stones toward academic success.
At Michigan Public Health, Dana Hollins discovered her true passion for industrial hygiene and exposure assessment, honing her skills in epidemiology and environmental health, shaping her successful career. Today, as the senior principal health scientist, she leads the Health Sciences Division for Hollins Consulting.
Sarah Dobson’s passion for epidemiology, supported by her growing commitment for using reliable data to solve public health problems, was cultivated through various internships and the invaluable advice of her mentors. Pursuing an MPH at Michigan Public Health allowed Dobson to delve deeper into the field and become fascinated with the intersection of climate change and public health.