Global Health Major Researches Antiretroviral Nonadherence in Tanzania

OCTOBER 15, 2018 – Global health major Madeline Leonard (NHS’19) is in Tanzania this semester, taking part in the Department of International Health’s 12-credit research practicum experience for seniors. The aspiring physician is active in various organizations on campus and hopes to combine her love of global health with a career in medicine.

Question: What are you working on this semester in Tanzania?

Leonard: This semester, I am conducting independent research at one of the field stations for the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Korogwe, Tanzania. My study is a secondary data analysis looking at the determinants of antiretroviral nonadherence among HIV-positive adults.

Question: How have you enjoyed Georgetown and the global health major?

Leonard: I’m very happy with my decision to come to Georgetown and become a global health major. This semester in particular, I’ve been able to see everything we’ve learned in our global health classes put into action, which is really exciting and rewarding. At Georgetown, I’ve been able to complement my time in the classroom with enriching extracurricular activities and internship opportunities. I’ve also made strong bonds with my peers and gotten to know D.C., which has been just as important to my Georgetown experience as my academic and pre-professional pursuits.

Question: What have you participated in at Georgetown?

Leonard: At Georgetown, I serve as an EMT and acting crew chief with GERMS [the student-run ambulance service] and assist Professor Jennifer Huang Bouey, PhD, in the Department of International Health on research analyzing HIV prevention and treatment among low-income high-risk women in D.C. I’ve also been involved with NHS peer advising and a few of the Center for Social Justice programs, including hypothermia outreach, the HOME program, and prison outreach.

Question: What are your plans for the future?

Leonard: Right now, I’m planning to apply to medical school this coming summer with the intention of starting the following fall. In the future, I hope to incorporate global health pursuits into my career as a physician, but am unsure at this point exactly how I want to do that. In the shorter term, I am looking into various gap year opportunities before pursuing a medical education.