Lama's Legacy to Lead Vulnerability as Strength

Each year, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health welcomes a new alumni class, culminating in over 10,000 trained graduates. Since 1967, each graduating class has established itself to support the school's mission of advancing public health for all. The School of Public Health welcomes its newest class of over 250 graduates from its five academic departments. 

Department of Epidemiology 

Meghna Lama brings a clinical perspective to the public health field with her previous training in dentistry in Agra, India. While working as a dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lama witnessed health's influence by social determinants, behavior, and access to care. During this period, Lama found herself "drawn to the analytical side of health — understanding patterns, identifying disparities, and thinking critically about prevention. Public health, particularly epidemiology, became the ideal field where I could merge my clinical experience with my passion for data and evidence-based practice," she explained. 

"Coming from a clinical background, I often felt like I was playing catch-up [to public health]—whether it was understanding the U.S. healthcare system, grasping biostatistical concepts, or navigating the nuances of academic research. At first, this felt intimidating. However, I quickly learned that vulnerability can be a strength." 

Utilizing her own experiences, Lama has driven her interest in crafting effective behavioral interventions to improve long-term health outcomes. For Lama, this can only be ascertained through research, advocacy, and inclusive policies. She has supported her mission through research and projects for underserved communities and piloting a program to address mental and social needs of refugee women to support them in navigating our health systems. 

As a Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the School of Public Health, she has held roles at the school and university level from the Student Association, Student InterCouncil, International Student Committee, Society for Women and Leadership, and as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. 

Lama reminds her peers of one certainty on the science and study of public health: "Public health is foundational to any thriving society, and I believe that even in the face of uncertainty, our work remains more important than ever."