Professional Experience:
I am a dedicated public health professional with a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). My journey into public health was shaped by my clinical experiences, where I saw firsthand how health systems and social determinants impact people's well-being. With a strong interest in areas like mental health, maternal and child health, nutrition, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and health policy, I have built my career around contributing to impactful public health initiatives.
Currently, I am working as a Public Health Fellow with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), where I support evidence generation for child health and nutrition programs. My responsibilities include designing data collection tools, conducting secondary data analysis, preparing reports, and coordinating with field teams and other stakeholders. I am also involved in literature reviews and proposal writing, and I contribute to both qualitative and quantitative research components. This role has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges children face in accessing health and nutrition services, and how data-driven strategies can help improve program implementation.
Before this, I worked with the National Health Mission (NHM) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, as part of the NCD Cell. My primary role involved supporting the cervical cancer screening program, conducting field visits to assess implementation at health facilities, and organizing training for frontline health workers. I also helped with data monitoring and reporting. This experience allowed me to work closely with the public health system and understand the importance of field-level coordination and follow-up in ensuring the success of government health programs.
Prior to entering the field of public health, I practiced clinical dentistry for over two years. During this time, I managed a range of dental cases and developed essential skills in patient communication, diagnosis, and treatment planning. My clinical background helps me approach public health problems with a practical and patient-centered perspective, especially when working on behavior change communication and community-level interventions.
In addition to my work roles, I have conducted several health education and awareness sessions on mental health, hygiene, and NCD prevention for different groups including adolescents, health workers, and corporate employees. I am passionate about using my skills to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and I aim to contribute to the development of inclusive, sustainable, and effective public health systems in India.