Leading Change in Public Health Strategy

This question was at the heart of OMI’s Public Health Strategy Seminar, which brought together 35 fellows from 27 countries for a week of discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving. In partnership with Maastricht University, the seminar challenged fellows to look beyond individual patient care and embrace the broader systems, policies, and partnerships that shape population health.

The seminar was directed by Professor Katarzyna Czabanowska, Head of the Department of International Health and Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Leadership and Workforce Development at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, together with Professor Scott Burris, Professor of Law and Public Health and Director of the Center for Public Health Law Research at Temple University, USA. They were joined by an accomplished international faculty: Suzanne M. Babich (Indiana University, USA), Rok Hrzic (Maastricht University, The Netherlands), Salman Rawaf (Imperial College London, UK), Tony Smith (University of Birmingham, UK), and Farhang Tahzib (UK Faculty of Public Health).

Throughout the week, fellows explored what it means to lead change in public health. As Professor Scott Burris explains: “The course is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to understand population health from a systems perspective, recognize how social and structural factors influence health across the life course, engage with law and ethics as essential components of public health practice, and develop the leadership skills needed to create meaningful change within their own health systems.” Using problem-based learning in small teams, the seminar encouraged fellows not only to build knowledge, but to develop the confidence to lead.

The seminar’s highlight was its interactive design. Beyond lectures, fellows spent the week working in six faculty-mentored groups, meeting across nine dedicated sessions to develop public health strategies. Each group tackled one of three complex and timely issues: Diabetes and depression, extreme heat, or the impact of social media on adolescent health.

Not only theoretical exercises, but participants also debated priorities, weighed evidence, considered ethical and legal implications, and navigated differing cultural perspectives while designing practical strategies that could be adapted to real-world settings. This process underlined an important aspect of public health: the most effective solutions are rarely developed by one profession or one country alone. They emerge through collaboration, critical thinking, and the willingness to learn from one another.

For Professor Katarzyna Czabanowska, this year’s seminar marked her eleventh time serving as course director and faculty member at OMI. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized that the seminar continues to inspire her on multiple levels:

“Professionally, I am always stimulated to develop new ideas and learning opportunities which are innovative, based on new scientific achievements and evidence. Personally, I develop long-lasting bonds and friendships. Most rewarding of all is the impact that my small contributions make, and this impact grows and expands together with OMI and the people who make it.”

This year also welcomed Rok Hrzic as a first-time OMI faculty member:

“Joining the OMI faculty for the first time this week has been an honour. What struck me most was watching clinicians quickly and successfully shift from the logic of individual practice to the broader challenges of population health and health systems. We took on some of the hardest problems facing us today, for example how to respond to social media’s effect on adolescent mental health. Debating these with participants was intellectually invigorating and a rewarding educational experience.”

As another successful Public Health Strategy seminar concludes, its impact will continue. The knowledge gained and the professional relationships formed will contribute to a stronger global public health community, one better equipped to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.