Stopping epidemics here and back home
Guyana-born Asia Khan is focusing her interest in healthcare on Public Health, specifically on diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, both of which are major challenges for her nation and the entire Caribbean in the twenty-first century.
“There is an epidemic in my home country and the public hospital system has failed many. These illnesses interest me very much and I want to learn more so I will be able to help others,” explains the Queensborough Community College Student Government President and Public Health student.
About 10% of the population in the Caribbean has diabetes and approximately 350,000 have HIV, the second highest HIV prevalence after sub-Saharan Africa.
“I chose public health over medicine because I believe it is better to put in place effective, preventative measures that will improve the health of populations rather than address an issue after an individual has become ill.”
The second youngest of nine children, Asia wants to be an epidemiologist, or disease detective, to identify people at risk and determine how to control or stop the spread of or prevent disease from happening again.
She plans to complete the Queensborough AS in Public Health in the Fall of 2020, and then transfer to CUNY’s Hunter College to earn a Bachelors in Public Health.
“Queensborough has many opportunities if you are dedicated and willing to work hard,” she adds, after carefully considering an education pathway with her Queensborough professors.
“I have managed to maintain good relations with many of my past professors and QCC faculty members who have been extremely helpful in my academic journey by advising me and encouraging me along the way.”
Asia, who came to New York when she was 12 and lives in Queens Village, wants to practice internationally.
“I want to apply myself here and in Caribbean, where my work may be more beneficial. I feel that I need to give back, help and provide a service to poorer regions of the world that are often neglected by our health organizations.”###
Contact:
Michael Donahue or Alice Doyle
