Ritika Kaur
Past Research Associate
I completed my Master’s in Public Health (Leadership & Management) degree at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, UK. The program was academically rigorous and has trained me to draw on knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to help define, critically assess and resolve a broad spectrum of public health problems and issues that I might face during my professional career.
During my study at ScHARR, I worked on writing several academic literature reviews and reports and critically appraising published research papers. By pursuing MPH, I laid the foundations for a future career in research and engaging in public health issues. My areas of interest are Development, Gender and health equality, Maternal and child health, Nutrition, NCDs, Communicable diseases, Healthcare and Health system strengthening etc.
During my Bachelor of Dental Surgery at BFUHS, India, I became experienced in engaging with people of varying ages and health problems. I find great rewards in providing health care, education and support. I bring over five years of experience studying and practising dentistry. Rigorous clinical training, clinical research, organizing dental health camps and teaching dental students has given me a confident outlook towards the subject and improved my professional grip over the ailments.
Highest Education: Master of Public Health (Management & Leadership) - School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
Date of Joining: May 4, 2020
Date Of Completion: November 4, 2020
Goals
What if people lived healthy lives, practiced preventive medicine, and took precautions against illnesses? What if every person was guaranteed care and that care was good? What if an aspirin a day could prevent heart attacks? I would like to find answers for these questions during my career as a public health graduate student and professional.
During my Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery, I often used to think for ways to prevent diseases and help people suffering from physical as well as mental health issues on a community level. Although I liked working in dental healthcare departments, I needed a career that emphasized on prevention and primary care rather than tertiary care and a career that would constantly challenge and motivate me to improve. Knowing that, I decided to study the areas of public health and particularly health management.
I moved to UK to pursue my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) after graduating from dental school in 2018. I enrolled myself at the School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield. For the first time, when I came face to face with public health arena and the challenges faced by public health professionals that they try to solve in innovative ways. There was a great scope of exposure and thoroughly understanding the issues faced in healthcare. By pursuing MPH, I laid the foundations for a future career in research and engaging in public health issues.
Because hands on experience is such a valuable learning tool, I searched for an internship program that would allow me to view public health at a different level. Hence, I began working as a Public Health Intern at Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society. The program provides me with a greater understanding of how technologies can be utilised in public health. Most importantly, I work on COVID-19 issue which involves gathering the infection rate, advisories and policies data of several countries and getting a deeper insight of this data to formulate policies. In addition, I am involved in public health research writing, making presentations, and attending seminars which help me to become more skilled and gain knowledge about the subject.
My aim is to quickly ramp up and start making a tangible difference as quickly as possible as I strive to become more skilled and efficient in research. At the end of internship, I would want to be someone who has made a real difference. The learned skills and knowledge would help me to achieve my goal of working in Research Associate or Research Assistant roles. These roles would make me more skilled and confident in conducting research individually. Once I would have mastered my role, I would consider doing a PhD in Public Health Informatics at an international university. I would also want to mentor public health students and work in academic field later.
Ritika Kaur
Past Research Associate
Smaart Rapid Tracker
Aspects and additions or suggestions to the dashboard ...Public Health Systems in India
Wrote about the Public health system of India. How the Health system works over there, what facilities they have at...Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, intention and hesitancy: A scoping review
About: COVID-19 vaccine is regarded as the most promising means of limiting the spread of or eliminating the pandemic. The...Examine the impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Communication, Acceptance, and Practice (CO-VIN-CAP) on Vaccine hesitancy in an Indian setting (Protocol Paper)
About: The objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence vaccine hesitancy and vaccine acceptance and to...Public Health System in the US
An evaluation of the health systems of USA, inclusive of its merits, drawbacks and overall functioning. ...Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
SMAART PHIC, Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute and Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society, New Delhi Panimalar Medical College...COVID-19 Infections in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2) is rapidly spreading in all nations, COVID-19 is the second coronavirus...Ritika Kaur
Past Research Associate
1. Speaking concisely and succinctly in the given time frame
2. Self-confidence
3. Basic mechanics of editing1. Increased knowledge
2. Enhanced content writing skills
3. Comparative analysis of the data1. Preparation of presentation
2. Language and delivery
3. Using my voice effectively
4. Increased knowledge about the assigned public health systems of the countries1. Tracking spread of COVID-19 and related trends, advisory and policy analysis of the countries
2. Comparative analysis of COVID-19 trends, advisories and policy interventions between different countries
3. Use of dashboard to examine impact of COVID-19 on economy, higher education, employment, food insecurity & poverty
4. Understanding of challenges faced by different countries’ health systems and organizations due to COVID-19 pandemic
5. Using data to inform policy interventionsBecame skilled in conducting data collection, organization and data management within a set time frame.
Ritika Kaur
Past Research Associate
INSPIRE Virtual Experiential Learning Program - EVALUATION MATRIX
Testimonial
The internship program provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a better idea about what knowledge areas and skills I should attach more importance and make further improvement as I work towards making a career in public health. Other things that I have valued most about my internship include, but not limited to, the nice and supportive working environment and the mentorship and guidance provided by Dr. Ashish Joshi sir. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and get better understanding of public health informatics, and given the opportunity to apply it to real situations. I also benefitted from attending seminars and enjoyed the friendship with my colleagues that developed during my time working at FHTS. One of the greatest benefits that I have received is the knowledge that I actually enjoy doing what I have been studying for.