Name: Caitlin Palacio
Year of Study: Fourth
Major: B.S. Psychology
Hometown: Oahu, HI
What motivated you to pursue the Global Health Minor? How does the Global Health Minor align with your major program or career plans?
My identities and lived experiences have deeply shaped my commitment to healthcare, research, and community engagement, particularly in addressing health disparities and advocating for underserved populations. Being born and raised in Hawaii as a first-generation Filipina-American, I’ve become acutely aware of the systemic barriers to healthcare access that disproportionately affect communities in Hawaii. This awareness drives my passion for public health and my dedication to advancing equity in healthcare.
My passion for this cause stems from my desire to pursue a career in medicine to bridge the gap in quality of care, health disparities, and health education in disadvantaged communities across global health. By prioritizing prevention, social determinants of health, and community engagement, public health initiatives create sustainable solutions that extend beyond the clinic and into the communities that need them the most.
What have you been most excited about as a Global Health Minor student?
What excites me the most about the Global Health minor is the diverse perspectives and abundant opportunities it offers. The minor provides a robust introduction exposing you to the comprehensive field of Global Health, extending beyond healthcare to examine policies, socioeconomic influences, environmental factors, and other determinants that shape health outcomes worldwide. Health and well-being are complex, requiring a multifaceted approach that considers all determinants of health. Through this minor, I have explored the disparities, barriers, and innovative solutions that drive progress in global health, equipping me with a deeper understanding of ongoing efforts to create a healthier world.
Which topic or course in the Global Health Minor program has made a significant impact on your perspective on the field or your worldview?
In the winter of my second year, I took a course on Medical Anthropology and Global Health that profoundly influenced my understanding of healthcare disparities. One statement from my professor that has stayed with me ever since: “Availability does not always mean accessibility." This insight solidified my dedication to pursue a minor in Global Health. There is an abundance of resources available and continuously being developed in the medical system, yet many obstacles still exist that prevent destitute individuals from receiving the necessary support they need. This experience deepened my awareness of these challenges and reinforced my commitment to addressing health inequities through both medicine and public health.