Global Health Policy in Real Time: Student Symposium Unpacks Healthcare Systems Around the World

PORTLAND, OR — Curious how universal healthcare works in England, or how Japan finances its aging population? The “Public Health and Health Care Systems Around the World: Student Symposium” is your chance to get a comparative, real-world education on global health policy—presented by your peers.

On December 1 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in the Vanport Building, this event is a must-attend for any student interested in the health care system and how it relates to policy, economics, and global affairs. Through student-led poster presentations, the attendees will explore how nations like Australia, Chile, China, the Netherlands, Singapore, and more, deliver, finance, and innovate their public health and care systems, featuring comparative perspectives on universal versus market-based models. Light snacks will be provided.

Real-World Relevance, Student-Driven Policy

For current students, the symposium is more than just academic theory—it’s about relevant, current policy that affects millions.

As presenter Amber Powell shared, engaging with policy through the HSMP course has been a game-changer. “As a Health Promotion student, I was intimidated to take a policy course, but I like it more than I thought I would,” she notes. “It’s relevant and current, and you’re seeing decisions that affect the whole country in real time.” Fellow presenter Samantha Castaneda was drawn to focus her group project on the country of Singapore because of her undergraduate research and desire to visit the country.

Advice for Future Researchers

For undergraduates considering research or poster presentations, Amber P. and Samantha C. offered key advice:

• Make it Personal: “Choose something that you’re interested in from your lived experience,” Amber advises. “You’re still figuring out who you are, so why not tie your research to what you’re interested in.”
• Keep it Clear: Samantha stresses the importance of accessibility. “Make it more visual, understandable for the average person, not using heavy vocabulary. Stay away from heavy jargon.” She notes that Professor Conte encourages using flow charts to show connections between stakeholders can be particularly helpful for papers.

Students, researchers, faculty, and health professionals are all invited to attend this interactive discussion and gain a global perspective on the future of healthcare.

Learn more and find event details here: Public Health and Health Care Systems Around the World: Student Symposium