In this interview, we sit down with Dr Alison Swartz, Programme Director of our online Global Health postgraduate programmes.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with Honours in Social Anthropology and then did an MPH, followed by a PhD in Public Health. Given my background in anthropology, my PhD was an ethnographic study so even though my PhD is in Public Health, I think of myself as a medical anthropologist. I am from Cape Town, South Africa and much of my research focuses on young people, sexual partnerships, HIV and teenage pregnancy in South African townships.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of study?
In South Africa, I did a project looking at how children were being poisoned by illegal street pesticides that were being sold in urban townships in Cape Town. I worked with two supervisors - one was a medical anthropologist and the other a specialist in occupational and environmental health. That project solidified my interest in studying health, and led me to further my studies and ultimately career in public, and now global health.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
Teaching and mentoring students is one of the best parts of my job. The field of global health attracts such a diverse group of students, far a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, and from all over the world. I have loved learning with and from my students who bring incredible insights and lived experiences to our class discussions.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
Our Global Health postgraduate programmes bring a unique focus on ethics, law and humanities, while still covering core insights from clinical and research experts working at St George’s Hospital. Courses are taught by a range of different people, from those who bring insights from philosophy and ethics, to those who work in labs.
What support is offered to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
Because the field of global health is inherently broad, we accept students from almost any disciplinary background if they have the relevant experience in working in health. Undertaking a postgraduate programme is perfect for those who have already studied something in health, but can also serve as a bridging degree for those wanting to explore an interest in health with the view to pursing further studies in medicine, for example.
Career paths
What career paths have graduates from these programmes typically followed?
Some of our students are already working professionals and following competition of their degree, go back to working in medicine, pharmacy, lab sciences, paramedic services and so on. Others have gone on to work for the NHS, in non-governmental organisations or international health organisations like the World Health Organization. Some have pursued PhD studies following completing their degree and several have been successful in securing funding to do this.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in the global health programmes, what would it be?
Look forward to significant learning from class discussions with a diverse and vibrant student body with highly varied insights to share.
What advice would you give offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
Get ready to think critically about health and illness, and the ways that it is unevenly distributed across the world. Global health challenges need creative, interdisciplinary approaches to address them.