“I am in awe of and incredibly grateful for how enriching and life-changing my Fulbright experience has been,” shares Selina Vickery, an Ohio State medical student. Vickery was awarded the Fulbright Queen Mary, University of London Award via the US-UK Fulbright Commission. “Fulbright has been a meaningful catalyst for my academic and personal growth, and I am certain it will continue to positively enrich how I interact with colleagues, patients, and communities throughout my life.”
Vickery hoped to grow in the field of public health advocacy and learn how to best serve the world’s most underserved populations as a physician during her time in the United Kingdom. “Pursuing a master's degree in Global Public Health and Policy at Queen Mary University of London (QMuL) has given me a panoramic lens on global health issues, particularly from the unique perspectives of policymakers, stakeholders, philanthropic actors, healthcare professionals, and local communities as well as complexities embedded in social and political determinants of health.”
For her master’s degree, Vickery is writing a dissertation with academic advisor support from Trevor Sheldon, QMuL, Rupert Pearse, Royal London Hospital, and Adam Hewitt-Smith, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. “For my master’s dissertation, I am collaborating with Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda to quantify recent trends in surgical volume in nationwide health facilities to describe the current state of surgical care and capacity. This work will help to inform national policymaking surrounding surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care and resource allocation in Uganda,” explains Vickery, who is advised by Shauna Collins back at Ohio State.
“Each day I’m immersed in a learning environment where I’m surrounded by U.K.-native and international students from diverse and fascinating career backgrounds, such as politics, business, nursing, and law. This year has greatly increased my depth of cultural awareness as I get to connect with colleagues who each contribute their unique perspectives to my understanding of the nuances of health and healthcare across the world,” reflects Vickery.
She’s taken advantage of her time in London to explore the country and connect with locals. “I have made countless meaningful connections with people here in London and have had so much fun immersing in the U.K.’s culture and learning of its deep history. I've also loved finding new ways to explore the U.K. countryside and rocky coastlines as well as London’s incredible art and performance scene.”
Vickery will finish her final year of medical school when she returns to Ohio State in the fall.
Fulbright Program
For more information about the Fulbright Program at Ohio State please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.