SHSP Participates in United Nations Day

M.P.H. Student Maryam Albarakati Takes Part In Session On Higher Education And Multiculturism

October 31, 2022
Maryam Albarakati
Maryam Albarakati

October 24 commemorates United Nations Day and NYMC SHSP was on hand to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. Serving as liaisons to Sustainable Development Goal 3 Hub (Good Health and Wellbeing) for the United Nations Academic Impact, Padmini Murthy, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., M.Phil., CHES, professor of public health and global health director, and Amy Ansehl, D.N.P., R.N., M.S.N., FNP-BC, associate dean for School of Health Sciences and Practice student experience and director of applied practice experience, as well as associate professor of public health, were invited, along with an NYMC student, Maryam Albarakati, to participate in the special event at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Drs. Murthy and Ansehl selected a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) student in health policy and management, Maryam Albarakati, who serves as president of Student Healthcare Executives and is a member of the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, for the honor. Ms. Albarakati sat in the session, “Higher Education And Multilateralism: Academia Responding To Global Challenges,” and participated in the panel discussion, “Student Activism And Engagement On The United Nations Goals And Principles: Actions And Voices From Campus.”

“It was a great experience and I was privileged to be there although very nervous and excited at the same time,” said Ms. Albarakati. Citing her experience as a dental hygienist in Saudi Arabia, she spoke on the importance of preventive care rather than treatment. “After my studies, my goal is to return home and raise awareness of preventive care which is much less expensive than treatment and determine why people neglect their preventive care. I hope my knowledge in the public health field will significantly impact my people,” she said. Ms. Albarakati also noted the occasion to speak at the United Nations was a huge source of pride for her family and Saudi women. “I am grateful for the opportunity and thankful to Drs. Murthy and Ansehl for all their support,” she said.

“I am pleased we were able to showcase NYMC and highlight our work on Sustainable Development Goal 3,” said Dr. Murthy.

“It was an incredible opportunity for Maryam and we are so proud of her for representing NYMC,” said Dr. Ansehl.