Q&A with Patsy Polston, PhD, MSPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior

What inspired you to pursue a career in public health, especially given your background in Electrical Engineering and Physics?

Dr. Patsy Polston

My journey into public health was unexpected and filled with twists and turns, ultimately leading me to a career I now feel was my true calling. Initially, I aspired to be a pediatrician, believing that was the only path to helping others in the health field. I didn’t know about public health. When medical school didn’t work out, I found myself at a crossroads. After some reflection and prayer, I opened myself to new possibilities, which led to a life-changing meeting with the late Dr. William (Bill) Jenkins. I shared my passion for helping others, particularly in preventing childhood diseases abroad—a passion I later fulfilled through my postdoctoral work in Madagascar. Dr. Jenkins introduced me to the field of public health and encouraged me to apply to UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, where he became a valued mentor throughout my studies.
As for my background in Electrical Engineering and Physics, it turned out to be an ideal foundation for my work in public health, particularly in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering. The analytical and problem-solving skills I developed as an engineer translated seamlessly into my public health research and my studies, helping me contribute meaningfully to the field.

How did your time in India during your MSPH program impact your perspective on global public health?

Dr. Polston working with children and using art to teach within local villages in India

My experience in India during the MSPH program changed the trajectory of my studies. Witnessing firsthand the critical importance of community engagement, I realized that successful public health initiatives must begin with listening to and understanding the perspectives of the people directly affected. This experience led me to minor in health behavior, as I understood that no matter the expertise we bring as public health professionals, it is the community’s lived experiences that truly define the challenges they face. My time in India taught me that effective public health work requires building trust, fostering relationships, and ensuring that the community’s voice guides the identification of problems and the development of solutions. Only by involving the community from the very beginning can we create meaningful and sustainable health outcomes.

What aspects of teaching do you find most rewarding, particularly in courses like Leading from the Inside-Out and Foundations of Public Health?

Dr. Polston with Health Behavior cohort representatives and Minority Student Caucus student leaders during a speaking event about Palestine and Israel

I love teaching and mentoring students. Creating a collaborative learning environment where we can share our lived experiences is something I truly cherish. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness students apply what they’ve learned in their everyday lives. I often receive messages from students who share how a discussion from class later resonated with them, whether during an interaction with a friend, a family member, or in the workplace. Seeing them remember and apply these skills in new ways is deeply fulfilling.

Additionally, I love the connections I have been fortunate to make with my students and how those connections have continued even after they’ve graduated. Recently, a former student reached out to tell me they were invited to the White House for a rising leader summit on HIV. I was so proud of them and excited for all the possibilities ahead. They sincerely thanked me for supporting them. It’s moments like these and others where students just write heartfelt notes thanking me for being there that make teaching so rewarding. All in all, it is rewarding when I see their growth and their success. When they win…I feel like I have won also!!

What are key features of the new BSPH program you are involved in developing, and how do you believe it will prepare students for careers in public health?

I’m extremely excited to have led the develop of the new BSPH program in Community and Global Public Health. We’ve assembled a talented group of individuals dedicated to creating a robust program designed to prepare students for successful careers in public health or further graduate studies.

One of the key features of the program is its cohort model, which fosters a strong sense of community among students. This sense of belonging is essential as it mirrors the collaborative nature of public health work. An additional feature, our Department of Health Behavior has faculty with a wealth of expertise and research partnerships around the world, providing students with invaluable opportunities to engage with diverse communities and gain practical experience. I’m confident that this program will equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective they need to make a meaningful impact in the field of public health.

Looking back, what has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?

While I’ve had several rewarding moments in my career, leading the development of the BSPH in Community and Global Public Health (CGPH) program stands out as the most rewarding. It was a project that I got involved in as soon as I started in my faculty role, and at the time it was an area that I had limited experience, so I am grateful and proud of this huge accomplishment. Collaborating with a dedicated and energetic team to bring this program to life was an incredible experience. I learned a lot and it pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Over the course of four years, it took hard work, dedication, faith, and perseverance to see this program come to fruition. I’m extremely proud of what our team has accomplished, and I’m excited about the transformative impact this program will have on students and communities both locally and globally.

What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities to do in your free time?

Dr. Polston at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France

Figuring out my hobbies is something that I have recently been trying to think about and have been on a path of rediscovering some of those hobbies. I love to draw and to do anything related to arts and craft. I’m actively exploring activities that tap into this creative side of my brain. When it comes to free time, spending quality time with my family and friends is something I truly cherish. Whether we’re relaxing at home, sitting around laughing, going on a trip, or enjoying each other’s company, those connections are invaluable to me.

I also have a passion and love for traveling and experiencing different cultures. I try to travel internationally each year, in addition to exploring new places within the U.S. Traveling allows me to broaden my perspective and immerse myself in diverse cultures, which I find extremely fulfilling.