London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hey everyone! I'm Sarah, and I'm just starting my third year as a Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) candidate here at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) under the Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy. When I completed my Master of Public Health several years ago—a degree I intentionally structured to be fully coursework-based—I had zero plans for a doctoral degree. I was entirely focused on operational work. However, after spending more than 10 intense years in the public health sector, navigating everything from clinical research to the high-stakes world of global health diplomacy, my perspective shifted. 

Why I need to study for a doctoral degree

I spent years handling complex, high-level roles. However, time and again, I encountered a recurring challenge: translating evidence into sustainable national impact was consistently hampered. The problem wasn't the research or the project; it was the inherent organisational and political complexity—the deeply entrenched governance systems that constrained what was possible. I realised managing individual projects was no longer enough. 

Deciding between a PhD and a DrPH 

To lead large-scale, lasting change, I required a doctoral-level degree focused on systemic reform and policy implementation. Given my background as a public health and diplomacy professional, I felt a traditional PhD wasn't the right fit. To genuinely lead structural reform, I needed a degree focused on the breadth of policy and organisational mastery. That is precisely why I chose the DrPH programme at LSHTM. 

This decision wasn't about simply adding letters to my name; it was about choosing the right professional focus: PhD or DrPH. I saw that the PhD is more for the Scientist. Its goal is to generate new knowledge on a very specific, deep topic, typically steering you toward academia or highly specialised research roles. 

The DrPH, however, is oriented toward systems leadership. This path focuses on applying existing knowledge to analyse, design, and implement change within large-scale governance structures. If your professional goal is high-level leadership, policy implementation, and driving systemic change, the DrPH is the necessary choice. 

The DrPH is designed to take professionals who already understand the field and equip them with the advanced tools of management, policy analysis, and leadership required to sit at the highest levels of health governance. My prior professional experience wasn't just a prerequisite—it was the foundational knowledge the program demanded before teaching me how to scale my impact beyond the project level. 

The LSHTM DrPH: A strategic platform 

Choosing LSHTM is strategic. In global health, influence relies heavily on credibility and access. The School's central position in global policy debates provides a strong platform. Crucially, I already know several LSHTM alumni who hold leadership roles and have a strong track record in global health diplomacy and systems governance. This existing professional network, combined with the School's institutional reputation, significantly increases the chance that my work will be seen and considered by senior decision-makers and organisational leaders capable of delivering tangible health outcomes. This environment will allow me to bridge the gap between academic evidence and real-world application, positioning me to translate complex health data into actionable strategies that save lives.

• Contact Sarah via our contact student ambassador page.
• Read about the 5 steps to get yourself settled in London as an international student.
• Learn more about the Student Support Services at LSHTM.
• More from Sarah: Dyslexia & DrPH: Sarah's journey getting diagnosed & supported
• Discover DrPH.