MPH student chases passion for women’s health
As an aspiring obstetrician-gynecologist, Master of Public Health in Epidemiology student Bhargavi Sriram says she wants to be a physician who understands the bigger picture of health challenges her patients face.
Sriram shares what she’s enjoyed most about being a student in the College of Public Health’s BSPH/MPH combined degree program and how she’s cultivated her passion for women’s health during her time at Ohio State.
What inspired you to pursue a public health education?
I wanted to understand health on a broader scale. I’ve always known I wanted to become a doctor, but before stepping into clinical care I wanted to explore how social and structural factors shape people’s health. Public health opened my eyes to just how much it covers — everything from the laws we follow to the water we drink to the seatbelts in our cars. It made me realize how much of health care happens outside of interacting with patients, and that’s something I want to carry with me into medicine.
What public health topics are you most passionate about?
I’m super passionate about women’s health, especially menstrual equity and period poverty. Through my work with PERIOD at Ohio State, I’ve helped organize product drives and start conversations that a lot of people are afraid to have. It’s been so rewarding to be part of something that breaks down stigma and makes a real difference in people’s lives. Getting involved in this work has shown me just how powerful advocacy can be.
What do you enjoy most about being a student at the College of Public Health?
I enjoy how close-knit and supportive the community feels. Because the college is smaller, it creates the perfect environment to really connect with both students and faculty. I had the chance to serve as president of the Public Health Student Leadership Council and help plan National Public Health Week events, which was such a meaningful experience. It’s easy to build relationships here. Everyone feels accessible, and that’s what I love most.
Why did you choose the combined BSPH/MPH program?
I wanted to get my MPH before applying to medical school. I was especially drawn to the epidemiology track because classes like Cancer Epidemiology and Epidemiology of Women’s Health sounded so interesting to me. I also really enjoyed my Public Health Sociology major and wanted to be equipped with more public health knowledge before looking at health from a physician's standpoint.
The combined BSPH/MPH program made sense because I had already completed most of my undergraduate requirements, so adding on a master’s felt doable, convenient and honestly really exciting.
What surprised you about your college experience while pursuing two degrees?
Even though I was still an undergrad taking MPH classes last year, I was able to build relationships with people I never would have met otherwise. A lot of my classmates were already working in different professions, which made working with them on projects that much more interesting. Everyone has such different goals for how they want to use their MPH and it’s been fun to be in a space where people bring so many unique perspectives to the table.
What are you doing this summer?
This summer, I’m working as a medical assistant at a women’s health clinic, where I get to take vitals, assist with procedures and listen to a lot of baby heartbeats — which never gets old! I work directly with OB/GYNs, which I really enjoy, especially as I continue to explore my interest in women’s health. I’m also working on medical school applications. It’s been a busy but exciting time and I’m grateful for the chance to learn and grow in both public health and medicine.
