Why did you enroll in this course (motivation, prior interests)?
The opportunity to contribute towards improving healthcare access in developing countries is one I simply could not pass up. One of my biggest motivations to leave my country for university is to be able to receive an education that will allow me to pursue my passions in bioengineering, while also forming my character to become an advocate for health justice.
How do you envision this course making you a better Bioengineering student?
As I reflect on my academic journey, I find solace and motivation in the realization that each introductory class and prerequisite, though sometimes daunting, serves as a crucial building block towards my ultimate goal in bioengineering. These foundational courses provide me with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare engineering and public health policy. Despite occasional frustrations, I am fueled by the real-world applications of these subjects, especially as highlighted through experiences like the fellowship program I am engaged in. This opportunity not only nurtures my passion but also reaffirms my conviction in pursuing a career path that merges technical expertise with a commitment to global health justice. I am particularly drawn to the challenges of product development for healthcare in less-than-optimal environments, where innovative solutions are urgently needed to address disparities in access to quality care. While I anticipate encountering numerous obstacles along this path, ranging from technological limitations to regulatory hurdles, I am driven by a steadfast determination to make a tangible difference in the lives of underserved communities. My academic journey thus far has equipped me with a strong foundation in bioengineering and public health policy, and I am eager to continue honing my skills and expanding my knowledge as I work towards my ultimate goal.
The World Health Organization estimates that over one billion people who need eyeglasses do not have access to them. The vast majority of these people live in developing countries like Kenya where there is barely one optometrist per one million people. Given the high poverty levels, access to eyeglasses is almost non-existent. Lack of proper eyeglasses severely impacts people and their livelihoods by decreasing their productivity at work, limiting or eliminating new opportunities, affecting their quality of life, deteriorating their general health and possibly leading to (preventable) blindness. What solution do you propose to address this problem?
In order to ensure that our solutions hold a long term effect, we need to recognize the need to prioritize the education of a population. Knowledge is a commodity that does not expire, does not lose value and can be shared and distributed. To target the problem at the root, I believe a government campaign that promotes the study of careers in the area of eye health, from optometrists, opticians and even technicians in these areas. This could be through scholarships, founding and properly funding new departments in national universities, etc.
By nurturing the professional development of people in these fields, the government not only meets the needs of their population, but also send more professionals into the workforce. This solution, while complex, promises a long term effect in comparison to one-time donations or external health campaigns.