Fazila Abdullah’s path to public health began in clinical dentistry, where she worked in an urban primary care setting serving underserved communities. That experience gave her a close view of patient care, but also revealed a persistent gap between clinical treatment and broader, community-level prevention. Having grown up in an underserved community herself, Fazila recognized a familiar pattern in the barriers patients faced.
“I realized I had come full circle, from my own upbringing to now seeing patients face the same challenges I once experienced,” she said. “That’s what led me to public health, to understand the systems behind these inequities.”
A first-generation international student from India, Fazila made a significant transition from clinical dentistry to epidemiology during her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology program, an experience she describes as both challenging and transformative. Navigating a new country, academic system, and field required resilience, adaptability, and self-advocacy.
“Being in this space without a roadmap was not easy,” she said. “But I proved to myself that I belong in this field, and that I have something meaningful to contribute.”
Through this journey, Fazila discovered a strong interest in infectious disease research and a growing commitment to using epidemiology to inform public health policy and community health programs. One of her most meaningful achievements has been her personal and professional growth as a researcher and emerging public health professional, shaped by both academic experiences and lived insight into health inequities.
She also credits her communities, from her parents, friends, and peers in BREATHE and faculty in the OHSU PSU School of Public Health, for supporting her throughout her journey.
Following graduation, Fazila plans to continue working in infectious disease research, with a focus on roles that connect clinical research to real-world public health impact.
“I want to help break down the structural barriers that make certain communities more vulnerable to disease,” she said. “As someone who has seen health inequity from multiple perspectives, I want to contribute to creating a more equitable healthcare system for all.”