“Public health has a way of inserting itself into every aspect of our lives,” said Margaret Hamburg, MD, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in her remarks at the Yale School of Public Health Commencement ceremony. Hamburg noted the change in perception of the field over the last decade, including perception by world leaders. “Clinton,” Hamburg’s former boss, “understands the importance of public health.” Paraphrasing the former president’s Class Day challenge to graduates to grapple with issues and implement the details of health reform, Hamburg added, “You are right where you need to be. All around you are pioneers.”
Hamburg went on to relate the recently published paper, “Achieving Large Ends With Limited Means: Grand Strategy in Global Health” (by faculty members Lesley Curry, PhD, MPH, Elizabeth H. Bradley, PhD and others) to building careers in public health. “Dream big and think small. Make everyday tactical decisions with science in mind.” This can lead to success as it did in the eradication of small pox and in Hamburg’s own landmark campaign to contain New York City’s tuberculosis outbreak in the 1990s. “Immerse yourself in details. You have the tools, and you are in a position to make a difference when the country and the world need you most.”
In the student address, Artem Kopelev, a 2010 MPH recipient, thanked all parents and family members saying, “Our achievements are extensions of your love and support.” Inspired by a folk tale from his native Ukraine, Kopelev asked his classmates to join him as warriors who fight for truth, justice and health. “Social well-being is the essence of public health. We are the marines, guarding and improving on the health of others.” Kopelev did his internship in Ethiopia working on the Clinton Foundation’s project with Yale and was also named a Weinerman Fellow for his commitment to social justice, awareness of community needs, and involvement in social and political action.
Durland Fish, PhD, professor in the division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, was recognized as the YSPH Mentor of the Year. Expressing his appreciation to the students he added, “Advising students on their research is one of the great pleasures of academic life.”