Pamela Magande, from Zimbabwe, is studying for her PhD in public health/epidemiology at the University of South Carolina while also working towards a Maternal and Child Health Certificate. Her studies build upon her public health education and experience. This preparation will enable her to combine medical and public health knowledge in her future public health career in Zimbabwe.
Pamela’s doctoral dissertation evaluates the effect of multimorbidity on HIV treatment outcomes among older adults living with HIV. She anticipates presenting her research at international conferences and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals to disseminate the results to practitioners in low-resource areas.
Pamela has significant clinical experience working as a physician in Zimbabwe with an interest in infectious diseases including HIV and tuberculosis. She was a leader in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and cervical cancer programs in Zimbabwe. Whether it be through facilitating the opening of a cervical cancer center in Zimbabwe or seeking low-cost health interventions, Pamela strives to make advances in service delivery and community outreach to underserved populations.
After completing her dissertation and disseminating her findings internationally, Pamela plans to return to Zimbabwe, teach at a university, conduct additional field research, and continue to mentor young women interested in pursuing careers in health-related fields. Community involvement in identifying solutions/remedies to health is a hallmark of Pamela’s approach to public health. Her current mentees could become pivotal players in the future of public health advances in Zimbabwe.
