PHEC 425: The Heart of Public Health with Visha Patel

In this episode of the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations podcast, host Dr. Charlotte Huntley continues her series aimed at demystifying public health through plain language conversations. She welcomes Visha Patel, an oncology nurse turned cancer epidemiology researcher, who shares her journey from bedside nursing to population-level impact. Visha explains the WHO definition of health and offers her personal definition of public health, emphasizing its role in improving, maintaining, and protecting community health through surveillance, research, and policy. She discusses the importance of explaining public health to family and friends in relatable terms, using personal stories and examples like smallpox eradication and COVID-19 response. The conversation highlights the value of public health work, the need for better communication, and the intersectionality of the field. Visha’s passion for cancer epidemiology and her commitment to mentorship and community well-being are central themes. The episode aims to inspire listeners to advocate for public health and improve their own conversations about the field.