Congratulations to the 2024 Class of Global Health Graduates!

The Class of 2024 Global Health graduates officially mark the culmination of hard work, growth, and transformative experiences. From exploring innovative solutions to global health challenges to forming lifelong connections, this year’s graduates leave the program equipped to make a meaningful impact in diverse global health contexts. Each graduate brings a unique story of inspiration, memorable moments, and ambitious plans for the future, reflecting the interdisciplinary and collaborative spirit of the program. Congratulations to everyone celebrating this exciting milestone!  

See below to view a small selection of profiles written by some of our graduates: 

Kristina Issa, MSc Global Health (2024) 

Pursuing an MSc in Global Health was a natural step for me, fueled by a longstanding interest in the social determinants of health and the inequities that perpetuate poor health outcomes, especially within the Canadian healthcare system. While I had a foundational understanding of these issues domestically, I was eager to explore how social factors impact health on a global scale. As I grew older, I found myself grappling with unanswered questions about health equity and its broader implications. I knew that to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare, I needed a deeper understanding of the social elements of health and how they transcend borders to affect individuals and communities worldwide. 

One of the highlights of the program was bonding with peers through activities like intramural soccer and weekly trivia nights. I also found my Refugee Health course particularly impactful. Working alongside exchange students on various projects and innovations expanded my worldview and reinforced the value of collaboration in addressing complex health challenges. 

If I could offer advice to my first-year self, it would be this: don’t hesitate to ask questions or challenge yourself. The knowledge and perspectives you gain from this program are invaluable, but they require effort and engagement. Be proactive, and you’ll find the experience both mind-expanding and rewarding. 

Now, as I embark on the next chapter of my journey in Physician Assistant school, I hope to carry forward the lessons learned from this program. My goal is to contribute to healthcare on a global scale, particularly through humanitarian aid initiatives, where I can apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. 

Sydney Raduy, MSc Global Health (2024) 

My passion for global health began when I was sixteen years old, participating in a humanitarian build trip with a Canadian non-profit organization in the Dominican Republic. During this trip, I worked alongside local community leaders, village members, and construction teams to build sustainable homes for families in need. This experience opened my eyes to the stark realities of health and social inequities in low-to-middle-income countries and sparked my initial interest in global health. 

From that point on, I knew I wanted to pursue a career addressing these disparities. I began my academic journey in health sciences, and as I progressed through my undergraduate studies, my passion for global health only grew stronger. I gained valuable insights into harmful practices within global health and humanitarian aid, learning to challenge my own assumptions about addressing inequities. My role as a research assistant at the INSIGHT Lab at uOttawa further fueled my interest, particularly through their work on infectious diseases in local and global contexts. I was also inspired by “The Global Health Collective” podcast, hosted by McMaster alumna Shania Bhopa, which motivated me to join McMaster’s MSc in Global Health program and take the next step in my journey. 

Some of my favorite memories from the program involve the time spent with friends. I loved attending Tuesday trivia nights at Phoenix after health policy class, even though we never managed to win! My semester in Maastricht was unforgettable, from the unique learning style to the friendships I formed and the adventures we shared. Participating in the Innovation Pitch competition was a highlight—it was exciting to apply what we had learned to create a hypothetical health innovation. Another standout moment was the India learning symposium, particularly the opening and closing ceremonies. Being surrounded by so many inspiring individuals from around the world, all dedicated to making a difference in global public health, was truly humbling. 

If I could give advice to my first-year self, I would say: be patient, embrace uncertainty, and take advantage of every opportunity. Building connections and keeping an open mind are essential to getting the most out of this program. It’s challenging at times, but the growth and fulfillment that come from stepping outside your comfort zone are well worth it. Don’t forget to give yourself grace and prioritize self-care—balance is key. 

Now, I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained as a Policy Analyst at Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC). In this role, I focus on building international partnerships to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to global health emergencies. My work involves contributing to key projects, including international outreach and life sciences collaborations. I’m passionate about bringing an equity-focused perspective to these initiatives and making a meaningful impact. In the future, I hope to transition into a clinical role in the medical field, where I can combine my global health knowledge and hands-on experience to support diverse communities and improve access to sustainable, equitable healthcare solutions. 

Tipu Islam, MSc Global Health (2024) 

After completing my undergraduate degree, I began my career as a clinical research professional. During this journey, I noticed a significant gap in how clinical trials are conducted. While clinical trials are critical for advancing cures and treatments, there are few regulatory measures in place to ensure that recruitment criteria are equitable and representative of marginalized populations. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Global Health, with the goal of understanding the complexities and considerations required to ensure research initiatives are beneficial, equitable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate for the contexts in which they operate. 

The Global Health program provided countless enriching experiences that shaped both my academic and professional growth. Some of my most memorable moments came from collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that challenged us to think creatively and critically. One of the standout courses for me was Planetary Health, where we explored critical topics such as optimizing hospital departments’ carbon output. It was incredibly impactful to learn directly from researchers, physicians, and organizational leaders about their innovative work and its lasting impact. 

If I could give advice to my first-year self, I would say: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Taking risks—whether it’s pursuing a bold idea, engaging with new research topics, or striving for ambitious projects—is an important part of growth. It’s okay not to know how things will turn out. What matters most is being open to learning and willing to make a U-turn if necessary. 

Looking ahead, I plan to use the skills I’ve gained to support equitable healthcare delivery and accessible clinical research in the communities I serve. Building bridges across cultural and regulatory dynamics is a vital aspect of this work, and I’m committed to ensuring that healthcare and research are inclusive and impactful for all.

Tobi Mohammed, MSc Global Health (2024) 

My decision to pursue an MSc in Global Health was fueled by a desire for a one-year program that emphasized the practical applications of science on a global scale. Personal experiences, such as witnessing the devastating impacts of the Ebola virus, malaria, and other illnesses in West Africa, deepened my interest in understanding the complex global health issues and systems that shape our world. These experiences inspired me to learn more about how innovative solutions and collaborations can address such challenges effectively. 

One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the international exchange opportunity to study at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. This experience allowed me to travel to various European countries, immerse myself in new cultures and traditions, and meet peers from diverse backgrounds. It was truly rewarding to learn about innovative approaches to solving global health challenges in such a dynamic and international environment. 

If I could offer advice to my first-year self, it would be to keep the same open-minded, eager approach I had throughout the program. I fully embraced the work, contributed to class discussions, and made an effort to learn from others. This mindset served me well during my time in the program and continues to benefit me in my professional journey. 

Looking ahead, I remain passionate about helping others, especially within my home community and the diaspora. I hope to pursue further studies and travel to conduct more global health research. I am currently continuing my position at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

As the Class of 2024 embarks on their next chapter, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained from their time in the Global Health program. Whether pursuing further studies, advancing global health research, or stepping into professional roles, these graduates are ready to tackle the pressing health challenges of our time. Their stories of resilience, collaboration, and passion serve as an inspiration to the global health community, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make on a global scale. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!