“Moreover, the course equipped me with various skills, including public health research, report synthesis, bio-statistical analysis, policy development, and advocacy. These skills will significantly contribute to my future career as a public health or program officer.”
Having worked as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme Officer with the World Health Organization in Laos, Souliyadeth Sonephet is now pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialisation in Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Committed to combating microbial resistance, he aspires to advocate for and formulate policies and strategies that promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in his country and globally.
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Why did you decide to study at the University of Melbourne?
I decided to study the Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialisation in Infectious Disease Epidemiology because I want to learn and exchange knowledge with world-leading experts and fellow students to find the most appropriate strategy to reduce the highly increasing cases of infectious diseases, especially those with antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Before starting the course, I worked with the World Health Organization Country Office in Lao PDR as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme Officer. In this role, my responsibility was to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials by healthcare professionals, aiming to significantly reduce the prevalence of AMR.
The flexibility, wide range of subjects/specialisations, and the well-known reputation are factors that made me excited to study this course at the University of Melbourne.
I decided to pursue my Master of Public Health with the University of Melbourne because of its famous reputation as number one in Australia and 12th globally. Moreover, I heard from many friends and senior scholars that the University of Melbourne provides the best academic support for students, including international ones.
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What do you like most about your studies at the University of Melbourne?
I love the teaching methods and the support I received from my professors and tutors during my course of study. Additionally, as a first-time international student, I truly appreciate the diversity among my fellow students. It has allowed me to make many friends from very different backgrounds, and I don't feel lonely while studying here.
Moreover, the course equipped me with various skills, including public health research, report synthesis, bio-statistical analysis, policy development, and advocacy. These skills will significantly contribute to my future career as a public health or program officer.
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What have been the best things about studying the Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne?
The best aspects of studying this course for me are the work-related opportunities, such as conducting a research project, and accessing up-to-date resources through the various libraries and subjects. Furthermore, the connections and networking with professors, tutors, and friends are things I will not forget.
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What kinds of work integrated learning, practical experience or academic enrichment activities did you participate in your degree, and how did they impact your development?
This course offers students a wide range of experiences, such as placements or research projects. Personally, I had the opportunity to be part of a research project conducted in my country. This experience will help me understand how to synthesize public health research and support my career path as a public health researcher.
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What goals did you set yourself before starting the course, and have you achieved these?
My goal is to advocate and develop policies and strategies that will ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials in my country and globally. Although I may not have achieved it yet as I am still studying, I have gained a substantial amount of useful knowledge that will help me reach this goal. So, I can't wait to apply that knowledge in my career.
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What advice do you have for future and current students who are interested in studying this course and pursuing a similar career?
Ask as many questions as possible during class. The expertise from the professors and tutors will be surprisingly useful in the course and even in your career. Additionally, try to read the recommended books and teaching materials before the lecture. This will prepare you to learn new things and enable you to critically engage with challenging knowledge.
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What inspires you?
The vision for my country and the globe where people have good health and well-being. Specifically, the world where antimicrobials are used appropriately, and antimicrobial resistance is eradicated.