Global Health alumna Yeunji enhances health systems at WHO

Why did you choose to pursue this master’s programme at KI in particular?

I chose to pursue the master’s programme in global health at KI for several reasons. First, Sweden’s strong focus on health equity was a significant draw for me. The Swedish public health system is dedicated to reducing health disparities across different socioeconomic groups and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and support they need. This commitment to equity provides a valuable model for global health students aiming to address inequalities in health access and outcomes in various contexts.

Additionally, KI’s reputation as a leading medical university, known for its strong research foundation and as the institution responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was a major factor in my decision. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with leading experts in global health at such a prestigious institution was incredibly appealing.

What was your educational background and work experience before the programme?

Before joining the master’s programme in global health, I studied healthcare management and public health at Korea University. Following my undergraduate studies, I spent a year volunteering with a health NGO in West Bengal, India. During this time, I supported the management of the NGO’s eye hospital unit by drafting job descriptions, updating operational documents, and assisting with marketing and advertising efforts. This experience, particularly in a rural and resource-limited setting, gave me the confidence to work effectively in challenging environments.

Can you describe your career path after graduating from KI? 

After graduating from KI, I faced the challenge of finding a role that matched my passion for global health, especially since many positions required experience that I was still building. I started by joining a research institute in Korea focused on public health in North Korea.

Building on this foundation, I had my first mission to African countries, which opened the door to a position as a Project Officer for the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Ghana. Over two years, I implemented a project aimed at improving maternal and child health by strengthening primary and community-based healthcare systems. I gained hands-on experience and deepened understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing global health initiatives in a developing context.

Following my work in Ghana I went to Cambodia, where I worked with the national government as a Health Specialist for KOICA for two years. In this role, I managed and designed new health projects by providing support to develop initiatives that aimed to improve the health outcomes of the population. This experience allowed me to shape health programmes that were responsive to the local context and needs, as well as further refining my skills in project management and strategic planning.

I then joined the World Bank as a consultant, also based in Cambodia. In this role, I provided technical support to the Cambodian government in implementing a health project and facilitated coordination among multiple donors and government entities. 

Currently, I am a consultant with the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) on the Universal Health Coverage team. I am involved in efforts that strengthen the linkage between evidence, policy, and implementation, working to enhance health systems across the region.

What aspects of your education at KI have been the most beneficial to your current work?

At KI, one of the most beneficial aspects was learning alongside a diverse group of peers from various backgrounds. This diversity exposed me to different perspectives on global health issues and taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. These skills have been crucial in my current work, where I collaborate with stakeholders from different countries and disciplines to develop effective health policies and programmes.

Do you have any suggestions for people interested in a career similar to yours?

I highly recommend building a career based on firsthand experiences, especially early on. Gaining field experience provides invaluable insights into the realities of global health work, including a deeper understanding of the specific contexts, people, and communities they will be engaging with. While it might be tempting to seek a job with a prestigious title at a large organisation right away, I believe that fieldwork experience at the start of your career is crucial. It allows you to develop a solid foundation of practical knowledge and skills that will broaden and deepen your expertise, ultimately making you more effective in any role you pursue later on.

What advice you would give to current students of the programme?

My advice is to take full advantage of the diverse learning environment at KI. While you can gain knowledge from many sources, the opportunity to learn from peers and teachers with varied backgrounds and experiences is something truly unique to this programme. Engage with others, share insights, and learn from their perspectives —these interactions are invaluable and will greatly enrich your understanding of global health.