#2022Trojan: Meet Keymia Ghodrati, Master of Science in Global Medicine program and progressive degree graduate

Keymia Ghodrati earns her Master of Science in Global Medicine and Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Sciences degrees through the progressive degree program.

Why did you choose to pursue your degree?

I chose Global Medicine because it highlighted the importance of curriculum and collaboration with my fellow students, faculty, and staff. It equips you with the vast knowledge, skills, and values that can benefit you in future clinical settings. The MS in Global Medicine program was a perfect fit for me, as an aspiring physician one day!

What has been your biggest accomplishment during your studies?

One of my memorable accomplishments this year was when I co-presented at the 2021 American Public Health Association (APHA) Conference on a research paper that my Global Medicine friends and I wrote.

What’s an important lesson you learned?

I believe that there were many things that I have learned in the MSGM program. Learning about the inter-professional dynamics of healthcare was really eye-opening for me, as many of the concepts can also be applied to global health and public health. Moreover, the program encouraged me to be a better advocate for communities–emphasizing that health is a human right. Lastly, my fellow Global Medicine classmates encouraged me to do my best and made an overall impact to my USC journey.

What will you miss most and why?

I cannot stress this enough, but I know I will miss my classmates, professors, and MSGM staff so much. To my compassionate and intelligent friends who always supported me through thick and thin, thank you. To my incredible professors who dedicated time out of their busy schedules and have constantly inspired and re-inspired my career aspirations of becoming a physician, thank you. To the supportive MSGM staff who were always there for me and gave me a safe space, thank you. I constantly talk about how much I loved the MS in Global Medicine program and I hope people take the opportunity to become a part of the GM family. They have put a smile on my face. Thank you everyone for the support and love!

What do you look forward to in your career path?

After becoming a physician, I look forward to working with non-profit organizations and underserved communities as well as possibly contributing to the GM program in some shape or way.

What advice do you have for future grads?

One piece of advice I would give to future grads is to enjoy every moment. Cherish all the memories you have made. You have worked so hard to reach this point in your lives. Be proud of yourself and never underestimate your potential to positively change the world. To my future Trojan alumni, congratulations! Fight on!