Georgetown Education Helps Global Health Junior Expand View of Opportunities in Health Field

October 12, 2021 – During her studies at Georgetown, Doha Maaty (NHS’23) has been able to focus on her goal of alleviating suffering by promoting good health, while recognizing the expansive nature of the health field.

“What draws me the most to the health field is the need to help people,” she said. “Without good health people suffer, and I don’t believe that people should suffer. I went into the health field thinking that it was rigid with only one path to follow but as I have continued to learn, it is nothing of that sort.”

Maaty, who has lived in Egypt, Kansas, and Montana, majors in global health at the School of Nursing & Health Studies and minors in justice and peace in the College.

‘A Way to Do Good’

“There are so many ways in which health can be applied,” she said. “I think that is one of the most wonderful things about it, no matter where your interests lie there is always a way to do good with them in the plethora of health fields.”

Maaty’s Georgetown experience began through participation in a pre-orientation program for first-year students known as CURA, a health and justice-focused week of activity administered by NHS and open to applicants from the undergraduate schools on campus. (Visit a story about the 2019 program in which Maaty participated.)

In addition to her studies, she is actively involved with several organizations including the Muslim Student Association. She now serves as the association’s president. Maaty, too, has leadership roles with the school’s Academic Council, as well as Alpha Phi Omega, a service-focused group, and Stand with Kashmir.

‘Can’t Imagine Life Without It’

Maaty recalled that she learned about Georgetown as she was researching universities where she wanted to apply. 

“It was one of those things that you do without knowing the full reasoning, just going with ideation,” she said. “I knew nothing of Georgetown, but I honestly cannot imagine how I didn’t, and I can’t imagine life without it.”

She said she has greatly valued her experience in the major. “I love global health, and I truly, from the bottom of my heart, appreciate all the opportunities that we are given and the support we continue to have from all the wonderful and amazing people that continue to support us in our paths as students and professionals,” she noted.

The tight-knit major has allowed her to connect and build relationships with both peers and professors.

Thinking About the Future

“I always know that my professors are willing to talk to me and discuss academic, professional, or even personal matters and help positively guide me,” Maaty explained. “I don’t think that I could put into words how much my major means to me. Thanks to all those that have a hand in it.”

This year and during her senior year research practicum, she plans to continue building experiences to inform her future plans, including what to possibly study in graduate school.

“I hope that I can gain a better sense of where my interests lie over this next year by getting as much experience in the outside, non-Georgetown world,” Maaty said.

By Bill Cessato