Ashish Arora, MPH

“I realized that to change the health status of the nation, it is better to work at a population level through public health than just treating one patient at a time,” he said. “And to change the health behaviors of the people in the community or population, I had to understand them first.” This led Arora to UB to pursue a Master of Public Health in community health and health behavior.

“This is a great program which will help me achieve my future goals,” he said.

One of his favorite parts was the weekly public health seminar which features guest lecturers discussing local, regional, national or international issues. “We get to attend seminars with people actually working in the field of public health,” he explained. “This helps us find new interests and also make contacts with people in the field.”

Another high point of the program for Arora was the diversity of students. “I had never imagined myself being part of such a diverse group of students working and studying together to improve the health of this nation,” he said.

He first learned about UB while at another SUNY institution, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where he completed his clinical externship. He heard good reviews of UB—both for its large campus feel and its strong support services for international students. 

Arora speaks highly of UB’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office and the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior which helped him with his transition.

“At first, I found differences in the education system from India, but I got all of the help I needed from my new friends and my professors for which I’m very grateful,” he said. “I’m greatly impressed by the advisors in our department, and I’ve never met such friendly professors in my life. They were really helpful and supportive.”

Since graduating, he plans to remain in the U.S. and practice public health, and possibly continue his medical education.