Q&A with Haylee Osgood, MPH student in Health Behavior

What was your background prior to enrolling in the MPH program at Gillings?

Haylee Osgood

Prior to enrolling in the MPH program at Gillings, I was set on Physician Assistant (PA) school. I made this decision about half-way through my undergrad years and gained experience working as a medical assistant, first in cardiology and then in pediatrics. These roles were meant to fulfill my direct patient care hours but ultimately became a wake-up call. I saw firsthand how challenging and convoluted our healthcare system can be, with patients and families struggling to navigate a system that in many ways, wasn’t designed to support them. This experience shifted my focus and fueled my desire to connect with communities on a broader scale.

You are the co-chair of the Student Global Health Committee (SGHC). Tell us more about the mission and goals of SGHC.

The Student Global Health Committee (SGHC) is a Gillings-based student organization created to bring awareness and opportunities for students to explore public health topics and issues around the world. This includes local, national, and international topics. Our goal is to provide a space where students can gain insights from alumni and faculty about their current work – especially topics that may not receive the attention they deserve or are rarely discussed in depth. We aim to help students stay informed and develop a clearer understanding of what public health work entails, including the challenges and barriers that come with it.

How was your practicum experience with Ipas this past summer in Bangladesh and what were your biggest takeaways?

My practicum experience with Ipas Bangladesh was nothing short of extraordinary. I wanted to experience public health in action and fully immerse myself in a setting where sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) were front and center. Each day, I embraced moments of discomfort- whether it was learning about cultural nuances, understanding the complex barriers to accessing reproductive health services, or navigating the interpersonal skills needed to make public health work truly effective.

Working alongside the Ipas Bangladesh team, I witnessed firsthand the powerful role that partnerships and investment play in advancing women’s health and creating real change. My experience taught me that effective public health leadership goes beyond data analysis – it’s about understanding people, managing diverse needs, and cultivating the confidence to communicate and collaborate with others. These lessons connected me to a shared humanity and reminded me of why I’m drawn to public health: to understand people’s lived experiences, engage with their stories, and contribute to impactful work. My practicum was transformative and only deepened my love for public health and the incredible work being done worldwide. I could write a novel, but instead, for those interested, I’ve attached a link to my blog from this summer where I share more of this journey.

What has been your favorite memory at Gillings so far?

My favorite memory at Gillings so far… it’s hard to choose just one. What I really love are the small, everyday moments that have made up my experience here. Riding the bus to campus, running into friends in the Atrium, collaborating on group projects, having class outside when the weather is perfect – these little moments have become lasting memories for me. I’ve always been told that people make a place, and that couldn’t be truer of my time at Gillings. The friendships I’ve formed and the connections I’ve built with staff have made Gillings special.

What does an ideal weekend or day off look like for you?

I love having nothing to do and seeing where the wind takes me. Growing up in California, I love the beach, but after going to undergrad in Utah, I also fell in love with the mountains – so North Carolina is kind of perfect when I’m craving either. My dream day would be spending time on the beach or in the mountains, relaxing in a hammock with good music and maybe a nap. I also love just being with friends, talking about life, and grabbing some frozen yogurt. That kind of day is the perfect reset.

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