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Ten Years, One Dream: Lessons from My PhD Journey

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 May 2025. I walked across the stage, heart pounding and eyes welling up, to receive my PhD in Epidemiology. After ten long years, I wasn’t just a graduate, I was a warrior, a mother, a wife, a full-time professional, and now, a doctor of philosophy. Yes, ten years. This wasn’t your traditional academic timeline. It was a marathon, a part-time PhD done alongside a full-time job and a full-time life. And at 43, with my 8-year-old daughter cheering me on and my husband proudly holding the camera, I felt something that’s hard to describe, an overwhelming mix of exhaustion, joy, relief, and above all, pride. Here are the lessons I learned through this extraordinary journey, lessons I hope will inspire anyone walking their own long, winding road toward a dream. Sometimes the Plan Will Break, But You Don’t Have To In 2015, I began my PhD at Indiana University with stars in my eyes and a scholarship to back it. I had already earned my MPH there the year before and had a couple...
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2025: A Year of Disasters or a Year of Beginnings?

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  Today, I sat down to write this article because my heart feels unusually heavy, weighed down by a deep-seated anxiety triggered by an endless stream of alarming news. Wildfires consuming forests, volcanic eruptions displacing communities, earthquakes shaking the foundations of lives built over decades, tragic plane crashes, and heartbreaking images of wars displacing millions, each headline adds another layer of unease. This heaviness extends into economic uncertainty. Friends, family, and colleagues grapple with job losses driven by recession, geopolitical tensions, and a technological wave, artificial intelligence, that promises incredible innovation yet disrupts traditional employment models. Every day, another crisis headline emerges, fueling our collective anxiety. Compounding these challenges is the rapid spread of misinformation in our hyper-connected digital age. Social media amplifies both genuine news and baseless rumors at lightning speed. Astrology influencers confide...
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Beyond the Crisis: Reinventing Public Health for the Next Generation

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  A Crisis of Uncertainty, Not Purpose   Right now, it’s hard not to feel discouraged. Across the U.S., public health departments are facing shrinking budgets, hiring freezes, and painful layoffs. I’ve seen friends and colleagues, some of the most dedicated professionals I know, lose their positions. I’ve felt the stress ripple through my own work as an epidemiologist and public health consultant. For many of us, especially those who gave everything during the COVID-19 response, this feels like a harsh and confusing reward. But as painful as this moment is, it’s not a signal that public health is failing. It’s a signal that public health is evolving. We've Been Here Before: A History of Grit and Ingenuity Public health has never had it easy. When Dr. John Snow traced a cholera outbreak in 1854 to a single water pump in London, he had no lab, no funding, and no real institutional support. What he did have was curiosity, data, and a deep concern for his community. From t...
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Have We Become Productive Machines? The Battle of Productivity and Mental Well-being

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In today's hectic world, where productivity is often glorified and celebrated, it's easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of doing more, achieving more, and being more. Like many others, I too found myself entangled in this web of productivity, until it began to take a toll on my mental well-being. However, through my personal journey, I have come to realize the importance of prioritizing mental health over productivity. In this article, I want to share my experiences and shed light on the significance of taking breaks, embracing stillness, and nurturing our mental health. The Pressure to Be Productive:  From a young age, society conditions us to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity and achievements. We are constantly bombarded with messages that emphasize the need to be busy, efficient, and constantly working towards our goals. Moreover,  in today's digital age, our lives are intertwined with technology. We have become reliant on gadgets a...
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The Power of Self-Reflection: Discovering the Importance Within

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    In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. We often find ourselves racing from one task to another, leaving little time for self-reflection. However, taking a moment to pause and reflect on our thoughts, actions, and experiences can have profound benefits for our personal growth and well-being. Self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows us to gain insight into ourselves, make better decisions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us.   Personally, I learned the importance of self-reflection during challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The circumstances compelled me to slow down and reevaluate my life. In that solitude, I discovered hidden talents and strengths while confronting my weaknesses. I asked tough questions, challenged assumptions, and gained valuable insights into myself. This self-discovery transformed self-reflection into my anchor during chaos and challenges. It prov...
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Breaking the Chains: Unraveling the Ties Between Mental Illness and Substance Use for a Healthier Future

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  Mental illness and substance use disorders are two complex conditions that often coexist, sharing an intricate relationship that researchers and medical professionals have been studying for decades. Understanding the association between mental illness and substance use is crucial in order to provide effective treatment and support to individuals struggling with these challenges.    As a resident doctor in India, a researcher, and a public health professional in the United States, I have observed the challenges and disconnect that exist between the treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders. Over my 15 years of experience in this field, I have witnessed the detrimental effects that occur when these conditions are treated in isolation, neglecting their interconnected nature. In fact, my dissertation as a PhD candidate in epidemiology focuses specifically on exploring the relationship between mental illness and substance use in young adults. This demographic...
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Ascending the Heights: A Thrilling Trekking Expedition to the Dhauladhar Range - Memories carved in my Heart

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In the summer of 1996, as a wide-eyed 10th grader, I embarked on a remarkable trekking trip to the enchanting Dhauladhar Range. Accompanied by 50 fellow students and two adventurous teachers, we set off on a memorable journey that would test our resilience, bring us closer to nature, and create lasting memories that still hold a special place in my heart. Although I don't possess any tangible photographs to capture the essence of this unforgettable journey, the memories of my trekking expedition to the Dhauladhar Range are etched vividly in my mind. Every moment, every sight, and every emotion from that remarkable adventure is preserved within the corridors of my heart. Taking permission from dad: Securing permission from my dad for this monumental trip was no small feat. Growing up in a protective environment, it was understandable that he had concerns about my safety and well-being on such an adventurous journey. As a result, convincing him to grant me permission to embark on t...
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