Real World PerspectivesOne hallmark of the Sommer Scholars program is the opportunity to meet with leaders in global health. Remarkable individuals—current and former leaders of nations, of large nonprofit organizations or of cutting-edge research programs—share their strategic and organizational secrets as well as their past successes (and failures) with the Sommer Scholars in intimate settings.
In one meeting, Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, talked about enduring hate mail and vilification early in her career because of her stance on contraception. “I appreciate the personal risk she took to do what she felt was right,” says Constance Hwang, Sommer Scholar, MD, MPH ’06. “Being a true leader isn’t always aligned with popularity and good feelings.”
Lydia Mann-Bondat, MS, MPH '06, chats with the Honorable Mary Robinson
in April of 2006.
Each year, the Scholars travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with public health policy makers. They visit with various organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as well as representatives from the U.S. Congress. Sommer Scholars also travel to New York City where they meet with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the City Health Commissioner and public health executives at various organizations, including Pfizer, Inc. 
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg greets Scholars
at New York City Hall. |
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"From Al Sommer, I learned that it’s better to follow your passion—even when it looks like a disorganized path—than to follow the road most likely traveled."Melva Green, MD, MPH
Sommer Scholar Alumni
"Health investment, in both the short and long run, is as important as any other human capital investment in the future growth of a community."Fred Selck, MA
Sommer Scholar, PhD Student, Health, Policy and Management
“I believe that a vaccine for malaria, despite being an extremely challenging endeavor, is indeed possible." Sapeckshita Srivastava
Sommer Scholar, PhD Student, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
"A career in public health is a calling that holds endless possibilities for learning and service."Melissa Gilkey, MPH
Sommer Scholar, PhD Student, Health, Behavior and Society
"The desire to make a tangible, positive difference inspires me to devote my career to serving people and bringing them hope."Lynn Huynh, MPH
Sommer Scholar Alumni
"I want to return to Sri Lanka, not just with more medications, but to help bring lasting change."Shruti Gupta, MPH
Sommer Scholar Alumni
“I hope to help advocacy organizations better guide our nation’s approach to solving health problems."Jonathan Kromm, MHS
Sommer Scholar, PhD Student, Health, Policy and Management
“As global citizens, we all have a responsibility to advocate for a healthy, sustainable global society."Vandana Sharma, MD, MPH
Sommer Scholar Alumni
“Health is a fundamental right we can never stop striving to achieve – and I fully intend to spend my life doing so."Crystal Ng
Sommer Scholar, MPH Student
“I want to bring hope to people who have felt forgotten"Amy Gueye
Sommer Scholar, MPH Student
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