Shamiyun Noor Reflection – Emergency preparedness and climate change: Preparing healthcare systems for extreme heat

Shamiyun Noor, a College of Health Professions student, was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant to pursue a global health project in Shaka, Bangladesh. View more photos of his time in country in this Flickr photo gallery.

As I sit at a busy café in Boston, contemplating my trip to Dhaka in April, I have overcome a whole cycle of emotions. Earlier this weekend, I was able to go to my ten-year undergraduate reunion and see where it all ‘started’. I closed the weekend attending the first-generation pinning ceremony (something that did not exist when I was an undergrad) with a new friend, Maria Gallant (she will be important for later). I was quite teary eyed by the end of the ceremony, as I was in the same room where my journey took off (low key). The hardwood floors and columns, along with the redolent spring air – with pockets of pollen, floating, waiting for its next victim – projected me back to when I first sat in that room, Tilton Hall, fifteen years ago. The same room, where I knew I was going to start my undergraduate journey and made the decision to major in International Development and Social Change.

You’re probably wondering, Sami – where are you going with this? Well, this is where my story did not truly begin but was manifested into a small lily bulb. This bulb has been there since my cognitive functions developed, but for the purpose of this, we shall take it as is.

I ended up re-reading my personal statement for undergrad, which I authored back in 2010. And then my personal statements for both my masters and doctorate applications. I noticed a theme – how my various experiences in life, propelled me to be a part of the change – or rather be committed to the community. I made the decision fifteen years ago, in hopes to be working in the international space in a healthcare capacity. I carved out public health coursework into my undergraduate major as there was no pathway for global or public health when I was studying.

I took courses at local Worcester consortium schools to supplement my knowledge, I was determined (I still am). However, once I completed my studies in 2015 (I, or the lily bulb went through several cycles of flowering, if you are wondering), I entered the workforce finding it quite difficult for my niche interests and I took my first professional post-graduation role in something I was not truly passionate about. But, it was a start.

I felt as if I were a bulb, once more.

Throughout my career, I have had this urge to be an active agent of change – but as I progressed into my career, I became more aware of tackling systems of power. I found avenues to make space for that, from working in healthcare over the last decade to my graduate studies. I always wondered if I would be able to fulfill that one hope I had when I was that ‘bulb’ back in Tilton Hall. As I started my MUSC journey back in 2022, I was unsure where this path would take me. I would be remiss not to mention how I have been able to open several doors with the support of my faculty members at the College of Health Professions.

Last year, I was able to make it to the Fulbright semi-finalist round focusing my independent research on telehealth interventions for persons living with HIV in Istanbul. Once I found out I did not make it to the finalist round, I felt as a bulb, once more.

Yes, I was bummed. But if my experiences taught me anything, it is to take a pause and pivot.

Progressing into the final year of my doctorate program, I have been doing a lot of introspection. Navigating, what I truly want to research. Asking myself if I would silo myself into a niche area. Understanding ways, I can leverage my passions for addressing health inequities as evolving community healthcare. And wondering how I can do this all when I am not an epidemiologist nor do I feel as if I am an expert – imposter syndrome kicked in, real hard.

Again, I did not let that stop me. Support from my faculty advisors, Drs. Jillian Harvey and Ragan DuBose-Morris, allowed me to think critically and put forth a research project for the Center for Global Health’s travel grants. I did not know from this journey that I would have the opportunity to work in Bangladesh, my ancestral home. I was also able to make a strong connection to my doctoral work, as I am exploring climate change and healthcare resiliency – the impact of extreme heat and chronic disease care management. A mouthful.

Seeing all these events weave into a beautiful tapestry and coming back to life while I sat in Tilton Hall – I looked a Maria, who said “many of these students, first-generation, specifically, do not have the guidebook or tools to navigate these institutions – and having representation matters.” Despite going through the many cycles of germination to flowering, this reminded me of how much has not changed since I graduated. I know I am no beacon of shining light, but rather the hands passing the baton to the next person. Something that is still as equally as important.

Nonetheless, going through this journey and processing my trip has been a ‘balcony’ moment for me. Where I have taken myself outside of a room to take a deep breath and recognize my accomplishments and all that got me to this place. As it is only a matter of time when I can allow myself to manifest these dreams into reality.